What Are the Benefits of Walking?

It may seem as though walking for 30 minutes a day is a fruitless effort, but in fact it is a wonderful and free way to get healthy! The benefits of walking are so many, in fact, that several health and mental problems can be lessened or avoided entirely.

Sheds those Pounds!

Yes, walking for just a half hour a day can result in a thinner waistline. No expensive treadmills or gym memberships are necessary. Simply put on some comfortable clothes walk around the block! The key is to keep a steady walking routine so that the benefits will occur faster. Walk for as long as you have time for, or for as long as you comfortably can. At first, shoot for a quick 30-minute jaunt, and then slowly increase the time spent walking.

Lowers Blood Pressure

It is no secret that physical activity gets your heart pumping. The more it pumps, the stronger it gets. Therefore, after just a few weeks of a steady walking routine, your blood pressure could improve, strengthening your heart at the same time! The health benefits to lowering your blood pressure are numerous, and include lessening your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Improves those Cholesterol Numbers

By now, you have probably heard of LDL (low-density lipoproteins, or "Bad" proteins) and HDL (high-density lipoproteins, or "Good" proteins), and their long-term effects on the body. What you may not know, however, is that walking can significantly lower the LDL count, and raise the HDL count! The result is less restricted arteries, which means a healthier you.

Improves Self-esteem and Helps Depression

A brisk walk can make us feel healthier, and it also releases endorphins in the brain, which are responsible for making us happy. Because of this, there is every reason to believe that picking up a simple walking routine may help cheer us up all the way around. More energy almost always results in a better mood, which is sometimes just what the doctor ordered.

Before walking, be sure and do a quick 5 or 10-minute stretch so those muscles are warmed up. Simply taking off walking can result in pulled muscles and cramps, which is never a fun time. Start slowly, but push yourself a little bit. Increase your walking speed until you start to breathe a tad harder, and then maintain that pace. You will find that after only one week, you are able to walk faster and longer than when you started.