Walking For Fitness

Walking is often overlooked as a beneficial and comparable exercise that offers many outstanding health benefits whether it's incorporated into a current fitness routine or as a stand-alone exercise. There is no shortage of scientific research to back up the effectiveness and long list of benefits of walking for fitness.

The beauty of it is that people who are mobile, already know how to walk. There is no time needed to learn how. Feeling comfortable with your form and ability to know how to properly execute an exercise movement will make it that much easier to stick with it. It can be done anytime and anywhere. There are no special gym memberships or training required to reap the benefits of walking.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who stuck with a regular walking program showed noteworthy and positive progress with a lower resting heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The far-reaching benefits go well beyond heart health.

Physical Benefits

• Longer life: The American Cancer Society found that adults that walk 6 hours per week had a lower risk of dying from diseases like cancer.

• Stronger muscles: Walking uses a considerable amount of muscle groups in your body that include calves, glutes, quads, hips, and the core. With a moderate pace or inclines, the core, leg, and back muscles are strengthened.

• Calorie burning: According to the Mayo Clinic, 30 minutes of moderate walking per day will burn an additional 150 calories per day.

• Better quality sleep: If you take your walk outside in the daylight, the natural sunlight helps create a circadian rhythm which equates to healthy sleep patterns.

• Improve joints: Because walking is a low-impact sport, the act of walking keeps the joints mobile and flexible and will reduce the chances of osteoporosis.