10 benefits to walking.

In all honesty, I dont want to pay for the gym. But I do want to be healthy and keep active… Let’s go for a walk!

Walking is a simple and free way to get more active. You don’t have to walk for hours but instead a brisk 10-minute daily walk can count towards your 150 minutes of weekly exercise.

Grab yourself some comfortable shoes or trainers that provide adequate support, some water, healthy snacks and dont forget to apply your SPF!

Walking has many benefits too, including: 

• Weight management: Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat. 

• Cardiovascular health: Walking can improve your cardiovascular fitness and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. 

• Bone health: Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that can help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. 

• Muscle health: Walking can increase your muscle strength and endurance, and help ease muscle pain and stiffness. 

• Mental health: Walking can reduce stress and tension, and improve your mood, cognition, and memory. 

• Sleep: Walking can improve your sleep quality and reduce common sleep disturbances. 

• Immune system: Walking can help protect you during cold and flu season. 

• Cancer risk: Walking can reduce your risk of breast cancer. 

• Dementia risk: Being physically active can reduce your risk of developing dementia. 

• Blood sugar: Walking can naturally reduce blood sugar levels. 

It doesn’t have to be boring but instead you can listen to some music and take it as an opportunity to explore different towns, cities and countrysides.

Staying motivated:

Make it a habit

The easiest way to walk more is to make walking a habit. Think of ways to include walking in your daily routine.

Examples include: 

• Walking part of your journey to work

• Walking to the shops

• Using the stairs instead of the lift

• Leaving the car behind for short journeys

• Walking the kids to school

• Doing a regular walk with a friend

• Going for a stroll with family or friends after dinner

Being active doesn’t require breaking the bank, go outside, get active. Get walking!

TM x