While there are so many ways to exercise, few are as convenient as walking! Walking is easy to do, simple to fit into your schedule, and has many health benefits. Read on to learn some of the wonderful benefits of walking, and ideas for how to incorporate walking into your regular fitness routine.
Benefits of Walking
1. Burn Calories
Walking burns calories and burning calories can help you lose or maintain weight. There are a few factors that go into how many calories you burn while walking.
- Speed: First, the faster you walk the more calories you will burn, as this will get your heart pumping, and you’ll burn more calories to fuel your workout.
- Time: Next, the longer you walk the more calories you will burn. More time spent working out means more calories burned - so add some time to your walk the next time you feel like burning more calories!
- Difficulty: Adding hilly terrain will add a level of challenge to your workout that will make your body work harder than if you were walking on flat ground. Burn more calories by finding a hilly walking path.
2. Healthy Heart
Studies have shown, walking at least 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Cardiovascular exercise is important for getting your heart strong and healthy, and walking is a great way to get your cardio exercise.
3. Mood Booster
Walking can help strengthen your mental health. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or just an all-around negative mood, studies suggest that just 30 minute bouts of moderate intensity walking, at least 3 days a week can help alleviate these symptoms. So, get outside, move your body, and breathe in that fresh air and walk into your day rejuvenated with a positive attitude.
4. Build Strength
Finally, walking can help improve strength and tone in your lower body. Build even more strength by walking in a hilly area, finding routes with stairs, or walking on a treadmill with incline function.
When walking, jogging or running up an incline, the posterior chain (back) of your body works double time to help you work your way uphill. This means your hamstrings and glutes will get extra attention during incline workouts.
Getting Started
All you need to get started with a solid walking routine are some supportive walking shoes and a can-do attitude! Find a safe walking route near your home; or, if you have extra time on your hands, find somewhere scenic like a local walking trail or the beach!
Remember to stay safe by looking out for cars and abiding by the rules of the road. During times like these, also remember to practice social distancing to stay healthy and protected.
Walk at Home
While walking outside is easy, convenient, and wonderful for soaking in some fresh air and natural beauty. Weather doesn’t always permit a safe or comfortable walking routine. When rain or snow may hold you back, a treadmill can make all the difference for sticking to a regular fitness routine!
The SF-T7955 Evo-Fit Incline Treadmill is one of my favorite treadmills that comes with all the bells and whistles. I love that this treadmill can power all the way up to 18 levels of incline with the quick tap of a button, which makes adding challenge to your indoor walking workout a breeze.
The SF-T7723 Force Fitmill Manual Treadmill is also a great option that comes at a set incline, with adjustable resistance. You actually use your own force to power the belt of this treadmill, which makes it a lot tougher than your average walking workout.
All in all, walking is an incredible form of exercise that should not be underestimated. With how easy and convenient it is, it’s a great way to add activity to your day, even if you’re too busy for your regular workout. I hope all of you will add a walk into your day today for National Walking day, and beyond!
