According to a study conducted by the University of Utah, the human body is designed to walk. Walking is physically easier on the body, but it still requires more oxygen than sitting, providing the same benefits as running. It's easy to overlook the fact that walking is an aerobic activity. After all, approximately 7 billion people do it on a daily basis. It is low-impact, simple, natural, and easily accessible, with numerous health benefits. Let us go through 10 reasons why walking is the best exercise.
Increased bone strength
Our bones weaken as we age, but walking on a regular basis can help to strengthen them. Walking increases the stress on bones, and some of the cells that build bones, known as osteoblasts, respond to stress. Low-impact walking can also aid in the prevention of bone density loss. Race walking, jogging while walking, or adding weights such as ankle weights can help you build even more bone mass.
Reduced body fat
Do you want to lose weight without going to the gym? Then try to walk. While your diet is the most important factor in losing weight, exercise is also important. However, the exercise does not have to exhaust you. It could be as simple as walking. According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Exercise Nutrition and Biochemistry, walking for 50 to 70 minutes three days a week for 12 weeks resulted in an average body fat loss of 1.5 percent – or 1.1 inches around the waist – in obese women. Increasing the pace, of course, will result in even more calories burned.
Improved mood
More walking, according to research, has a calming effect on one's mood. Three different experiments demonstrated that even casual walking promoted positive effects in a study on the beneficial effects of walking published in the National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health in 2016. According to the study, walking "can supersede the effects of other emotionally significant events such as boredom and dread." Walking outside works by exposing you to sunlight, which can aid with seasonal affective disorder.
Improved circulation
It is critical to maintain healthy blood flow at any age. When blood circulation is poor, muscles and tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients from the blood to function properly, resulting in general fatigue and pain. Walking improves blood flow because it allows you to take in more oxygen, which is then transported to your muscles. This raises your heart rate, which improves cardiovascular health, which is necessary for proper circulation.
Enhances alertness
Walking improves mental acuity because the aerobic exercise increases the amount of oxygen in the brain. It also produces chemicals that increase alertness, such as adrenaline. Several studies have found that 20 to 30 minutes of exercise prior to performing a mental task improves reaction time and decision making. According to a Stanford University study, "walking allows for the free flow of ideas and is a simple and robust solution to the goals of increasing creativity and physical activity."
Enhances sleep
You'll sleep better after you've gone for a walk. This is due to the fact that walking naturally increases levels of melatonin, a hormone that aids in sleep. A sleep study published in Oxford Academic discovered that postmenopausal women who walked or exercised before bed had better sleep quality than sedentary women.
Increases stamina
Walking on a regular basis improves stamina and endurance. Improved stamina means you'll burn calories more efficiently, which will help you keep the weight off. Long distance walking can burn off 100 calories per mile for a 150-pound person who walks frequently.
Minimises bad cholesterol
LDL which is called as low-density lipoproteins and is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. LDL is considered "bad" because high levels of it can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, raising the risk of heart disease. The underlying mechanism by which walking lowers "bad" cholesterol is uncertain, but many experts believe the link is straightforward: exercise, including walking, helps a person lose weight, which helps lower cholesterol. Even a 5% reduction in body weight can result in significantly lower LDL levels.
Aids in digestion
Walking immediately after eating was thought to cause fatigue and stomach discomfort. However, according to a 2011 study published in the International Journal of General Medicine, walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes right after eating results in more weight loss than waiting an hour after eating before walking. Blood sugar levels rise after eating, and if people begin walking as soon as possible after eating, the blood sugar spike will be reduced.
Improves lung capacity
When most people think of exercise, they think of losing weight and improving their heart health. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, is extremely beneficial to the lungs. Walking increases lung capacity and strengthens the lungs, making it easier to breathe. When you walk, or exercise in general, your body consumes more oxygen and your circulation speeds up. This increases your breathing capacity. In other words, you're less likely to run out of steam.
Remember At the end of the day, HEALTH IS WEALTH