Our physical and mental health are both improved by walking. Walking is a free, no-prep workout that offers profound health benefits. According to a Harvard Health report published in 2017, walking 21 minutes daily can reduce your risk of heart disease by 30%.
Furthermore, walking reduces diabetes and cancer risk, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and keeps you mentally sharp, according to the report. If that information alone isn’t enough to encourage you to walk, here are a few other reasons and tips to do so.
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Walking Is Beneficial To Everyone.
According to Dr. Tamanna Singh, co-director of Cleveland Clinic’s sports cardiology center, the benefits of walking consistently are numerous. People of all ages and health backgrounds can benefit from walking even though it’s not associated with the same intensity as spin classes or interval runs.
Walking is for everyone, Singh said. A person with minimal cardiovascular risk can use walking to prevent disease. In contrast, a person with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity can use it to prevent strokes or heart attacks.
Harvard Health said, “don’t be surprised if your doctor prescribes walking next time you have a medical checkup.”
Walking Reduces Sitting Time.
There are some benefits to working from home (no commuting!) but also disadvantages. Our bodies can be affected over time by sitting all day because of the current work-from-home lifestyle. Professor Dan Lieberman of Harvard evolutionary biology told HuffPost that chairs aren’t as bad as sitting is. The problem is too much sitting without exercise.”
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Walking Can Also Be Fun With Music Or
Podcasts.
For a more enjoyable walk, Singh recommended listening to an audiobook, podcast, or soundtrack if you are a solo exerciser. Walking is the only time you can listen to these things. Singh said the ‘reward’ of listening to your favorite thing would excite you to go for a walk.