Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise that offers maximum health benefits and there’s lots of scientific evidence to prove it.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that brisk walking can be just as effective as taking medication for some health conditions, such as heart disease. Another study found that walking up to an hour a day can significantly reduce women’s risk of breast cancer.
Just 30 minutes of walking per day can make a difference to your overall health and can instantly improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat and boost muscle power.
Walking is low impact and requires minimal equipment, but the best part is that it’s easy to slot into your busy day.
For those of us with a jam-packed schedule, it may seem impossible. But the key is to change up your daily routine by walking the kids to school, getting some fresh air and a brisk stroll at lunchtime, meeting a friend for a walk and a chat instead of a coffee, walking the dog or even walking around the shops.
Here are some of the health benefits you can get simply by putting one foot in front of the other:
Reduces overall body fat.
Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Increases muscle strength and endurance.
Improves balance and builds up stronger bones.
Increases cardiovascular fitness.
Regular walking can lift your mood, with exercises offering a 50 per cent reduction in the symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially in women and older people.
Increases energy and decreases fatigue.
Provides an overall improved sense of wellbeing.
Reduces your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.
While the Ministry of Health recommends putting together at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week, you don’t have to stress. If you can’t manage that, just do what you can. A little movement is better than nothing at all.
