Why Walking is the Best Workout – Improve Health with this Underrated Exercise

Why walk when you can run?

Well, why not?

Fitness starts with one step.

Walking is an amazing aerobic exercise that can have amazing results for the body, improving weight, strength, and mental wellbeing.

Though running is usually seen as amazing cardio, walking can be a better option for many.

More physically demanding does not always mean better.

Is Walking Good Exercise

Improving your overall wellbeing and fitness does not have to be a dreaded task. It can be a walk in the park. Literally. Walking is a great exercise for many individuals.

It is a low-impact workout that does not put stress on the knees or back.

A gym membership is not needed, and if you’re just starting, or looking to change up your workout schedule, it can be a great option. Walking at a brisk pace to raise your heart rate is a great way to get your blood pumping.

What are the Physical Benefits of Walking?

The best thing about this low-impact movement is not that there are both physical and mental benefits. Walking is an amazing way to improve heart health, circulation, and posture.

Since I started daily walks, I notice I sit up more at the desk, I walk into a room with my back straight.

Research also shows that a moderate pace is just as effective as running, reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.

Mental Benefits of Walking

Walking can help alleviate depression and improve your mood. Which is absolutely the best thing about it.

Lose weight, get fit, and feel great! Talk about an all in one.

Research shows that at least a 10 minute walk can reduce symptoms of anxiety, increasing self-confidence, joy, attentiveness, and vigor.

Mindful walking, a form of meditation, can reduce negative thinking and depression. Taking time to walk peacefully can have great effects on your creativity, allowing ideas to flow faster.

Furthermore, memory can also be improved and brain tissue deterioration can be prevented with this exercise.

Can You Lose Weight Walking?

Absolutely.

Best of all, it’s a workout that doesn’t feel like agony. Win.

You can also do a couple of things to crank up the intensity of the workout, such as:

• Walk on an incline or an area with hills
• Add weights on your ankles or wrists
• Walk backward for a bit to engage other muscles
• Walk at a faster rate
• Increase the time you walk

How (Long) Should You Walk?

If you are just starting out, you can do the following and then raise the intensity of the workout.

• Walk for at least 20 minutes
• Make sure to walk at a pace that elevates your heart rate
• Stay hydrated
• Increase time as you progress
• Walk on an incline or add weights to increase the intensity
• Stretch before and after a walk

The Takeaway

There you have it. You can walk your way to wellbeing. Walking is an amazing exercise to improve health, lose weight, and increase mental wellbeing.

Increase your fitness and gain incredible benefits, physical and mental, from walking!

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

Lao Tzu