Did you know that May 2018 is National Walking Month? Â The campaign is to promote the benefits of walking and to get people more active regardless of fitness levels. Â It’s one of the easiest ways you can increase your activity level and best of all, it doesn’t cost a single penny!
To help you get on your stride, below are 10 reasons why everyone can benefit from walking more.
- Heart Health – There is a reason why the British Heart Foundation are backing this campaign. Â Studies show that by walking just 4 hours each week, reduces the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease.
- Improves Circulation – When you walk you are increasing the flow of blood to your muscles, vital organs and brain. Â This enables more nutrients to be transported around your body, improving your blood circulation and cellular function.
- Increases Lung Capacity – Walking increases the amount of oxygen you breathe in. Â Your lung capacity will increase as the exchange of oxygen to carbon dioxide is larger.
- Reduces Stress – Walking stimulates the receptors of the nervous system, decreasing the production of stress hormones. Being close to nature and in natural light will also help the body to produce vitamin D which is a natural mood booster.
- Healthy Weight – If you are over weight and sedentary, walking each day and increasing your step count and contribute to healthy weight loss and maintaining it.
- Lowers Blood Pressure – As mentioned above, walking is a natural way to de-stress. Â It’s no surprise that during an experiment on 83 people (all with hypertension) they reduced their blood pressure by walking 10,000 steps a day for a duration of 12 weeks.
- Burns Calories – Your body uses energy to walk therefore some of the calories you consume each day are burned off. Â Walking for 30 minutes a day will burn around 150 calories (depending on your weight)
- Boosts Mental Health – Exercise triggers the release of particular hormones called endorphins. Â They are known to create a ‘natural high’ and help to reduce bouts of anxiety and depression.
- Strengthens Bones – Walking is a low impact activity and when done frequently can help reduce the loss of bone density and the onset of osteoporosis.
- It’s free – You don’t need any special gear, memberships or experience to get out and start walking! Â You can do it alone, with your family, friends and pets. Â Whatever you prefer, just get your stride on!
There really are endless benefits to walking. Â Try taking advantage of the different challenges like ‘walk to school week’ starting 21st May, by visiting Living Streets
