by Amber White
ChiroHealthUSA Social Media Specialist
Not a fan of the gym but would like to incorporate exercise into your daily routine? Why not give walking a try? An easy 30-minute stroll each day is simple enough for even the most unenthused beginner and provides maximum wellness benefits. Not to mention it’s free to you, and the only thing you’ll need is a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Going for regular walks is one of the best things you can do for your health and here are a few reasons why.
Better Fitting Clothes
Easily one of the biggest motivators in choosing a more active lifestyle is the weight-loss benefits. ” As you continue to walk, you may notice your pants begin to fit more loosely around your midsection, even if the number on the scale isn’t moving much,” says Prevention.com. “That’s because regular walking can help improve your body’s response to insulin around your midsection, which can help reduce belly fat. Walking every day is one of the most effective low-impact ways to mobilize fat and positively alter body composition.” (Rabbit, 2018) Talk about a contributing motivator!
Mood Improvement
Instead of grabbing a high-calorie snack, such as chocolate, to improve your mood, research shows that walking may help improve your attitude by modifying your nervous system. It is so effective that you may see an immediate decrease in anger and hostility and find your mood improving. Walking with a friend or partner also helps you achieve maximum results because you are working together on a common goal; better health and fitness!
More Creative
Getting out of a stuffy office, or other distracting setting, and into nature, helps get the creative juices flowing. Some of our best thinking is done in the great outdoors. Stanford University researchers found that walking boosts creative inspiration. They examined creativity levels of people while they walked versus while they sat. A person’s creative output increased by an average of 60 percent when walking. (Wong, 2014)
Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases
Did you know The American Diabetes Association says that walking lowers blood sugar levels and your overall risk for diabetes? They recommend setting a goal of 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week or a total of 150 minutes per week. Spread your activity out over at least 3 days during the week and try not to go more than 2 days in a row without exercising. However, if you currently have a chronic illness, talk to your physician before you start up a vigorous walking routine so they can help advise any precautions you might need while exercising. (ADA, 2015)
That 30-minute walk you’ve been avoiding could make all the difference in improving and maintaining optimal health.
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