We’ve heard it all before; walking is good for you. And it is. However, what few people know is just how many benefits there are to including a 30-minute walk into your daily routine. Good walking habits can have a profound effect on your physical, mental, and emotional health. The human body is designed for walking. Unfortunately, most people do too little of it. The sedentary lifestyles we lead keep us sitting far too much and walking far too little. There’s no need to give up, though. Taking the time to walk for 30 minutes each day can reverse the adverse effects of spending too much time sitting.
The best part about walking as part of an exercise routine is that it’s free. You don’t need to join a fancy gym. Getting outdoors is one of the best parts of walking for exercise. Another great thing is that you can go walking with family, friends, or as part of a ‘club’ of walkers. There’s more time to talk and catch up with people which is something we do too little of these days. If you think walking is a waste of time, think again. Here are 30 benefits walking has for your body:
1. Walking is essential for the health of your heart
A brisk walk is an excellent way to give your heart muscles a workout. As walking is a form of cardio exercise, it raises your heart rate. This is the number of times your heart is beating per minute. Your resting heart rate and exercising heart rate will differ. A raised heart rate makes the heart pump faster. The muscles of the heart are like any other muscles in the body. They need exercise.
The best way to give your heart some exercise is to do activities that make your heart rate rise. Regular cardio exercise strengthens the heart muscles. This allows you to take on more intense cardio activities such as jogging or running. The stronger your heart, the more capable it is of dealing with situations that require it to work harder to supply your body with blood and oxygen.