It’s not necessary to train like an Olympic athlete to be fit and healthy over forty. Too much vigorous exercise is less healthy than taking a brisk daily walk to get your heart beating faster.
The maximum health benefits from exercise can be reached with a modest fitness routine. However, doing more will make you fitter, but not necessarily any healthier. Additionally, you also increase the likelihood of injury.
Walking for health is a natural activity that almost anyone over 40 can do. Moreover, there are numerous health benefits to be gained from regular, brisk walking. Your overall health, brain, waistline, and mental health are all enhanced by walking.
Walk Your Way to Good Health:
Control blood glucose levels. A 15-minute walk after a meal has been shown to lower blood sugar in those with glucose control issues. The risk of type-2 diabetes is lowered by 60% in those who walk daily.
Enhance brain health. Walking has been shown to boost grades, memory, and creativity. Who knew you could get smarter, slimmer, and healthier from the simple act of taking a walk?
Walking is a great opportunity to think and make decisions. A brisk walk takes you out of your home or office. A change in scenery can clear your mind and provide the mental space necessary to make a wise decision.
View from Seaford Head
Strengthen your heart. Even a modest pace is enough to keep your heart in good shape. Walking has been shown to lower levels of bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol. Walking is also good for your blood pressure. Walking reduces your risk of heart attacks and stroke. Thirty minutes a day is all it takes.
Control weight. A walk won’t undo the ravages of a scrummy triple bacon cheeseburger, but it does burn a few calories. More importantly, walking helps to keep your metabolism in shape. Excess calories are dealt with more effectively. Weight loss results can be helped by drinking a protein shake while on your daily heart-healthy walk or having a protein bowl for breakfast.
Walking is cheap and easy. Aside from a pair of shoes or being barefoot, you don’t need anything to go for a walk. There’s no complex skill to learn or expensive equipment to purchase. Walking is an option for nearly anyone, regardless of age or current fitness level. It’s easy on your joints and carries a minimal risk of injury.
River Cuckmere, Cuckmere Haven
Lift your mood. If you’re feeling a little blue, a short walk can give a needed boost to your morale. Those who walk regularly report having a better mood than those who don’t.
Reduce stress. Take a walk the next time you’re feeling stressed. Walking attacks stress in two ways. It can take your mind off your challenges. It also metabolizes the biochemical and neurotransmitters that create the physiological feelings and symptoms of stress.
Increase your lifespan. The number of years you can expect to gain from 2.5 hours of walking each week is at least 3-4. Not bad for results from an activity that most people find enjoyable.
South Downs Way
Feeling more healthy is right around the corner. Imagine how much you could strengthen your heart health by walking for 30 minutes at least four times each week. Let go of your belief that you need to sweat and strain at the gym to be healthy. Exercise can be more comfortable than that.
Add walks to your daily routine. After dinner is an ideal time. Additionally, take the entire family out for a stroll each evening. You’ll all benefit and enjoy the time spent together. If you regularly avoid exercise, a simple walking routine can be an effective way to get the exercise you need without the headache of driving to a gym.
South Downs Way
Lastly, if you want to get your heart beating faster, why not challenge yourself by walking 10,000 steps a day? You don’t have to do it all at once, or even do that many steps at all. Additionally, three short brisk walks a day are easier for most people than a single long walk.
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Written by Ollie Relfe Entrepreneur, mentor, and blogger who helps people achieve their work-life balance goals through direct sales.
Written by Ollie Relfe Entrepreneur, mentor, and blogger who helps people achieve their work-life balance goals through direct sales.
I’m an entrepreneur, mentor, and blogger who helps people achieve their work-life balance goals through home businesses. Learn more about working with me.
