6 benefits of walking towards your health in more ways than just maintaining your waistline.
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health, but fitness shouldn’t have to be complicated. Many people struggle to get to the gym for various reasons, whether due to a lack of time, expensive fees, injuries, or intimidating gym equipment. But the good news is, there’s an exercise that’s free, accessible, and amazing for your health: walking.
There are many benefits of walking; it is one of the easiest ways to stay fit, strengthen your joints and maintain your health, regardless of age and fitness level. It’s gentle on your heart, easy on the joints, and a great social activity. You don’t need to be a fitness junkie to start; just take a step out your front door! Here are six benefits of walking towards good health with KompleteCare.
Benefits of walking: Lighten your mood.
Walking and exercise, in general, release endorphins in our brains. These are often referred to as “feel-good” or “happy” chemicals and help to make you feel better and put you in a positive state of mind. Research shows that just 10 minutes of walking can positively impact your mood.
Benefits of walking: Great for your heart.
Walking is one of the most beneficial exercises for heart health. It raises your heart rate while improving cholesterol and blood pressure. It also fights weight gain to improve overall heart health. All these things can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, and you need less than 30 minutes of walking daily to do it!
Benefits of walking: Ease joint pain.
Studies have shown that walking can help reduce arthritis-related pain by protecting the joints (particularly the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoporosis) by lubricating and strengthening the muscles that support them. It can also help with muscle strength, coordination, and balance, helping to prevent falls and related fractures.
Benefits of walking: Sleep more restfully.
Regular aerobic exercise, like walking, has been shown to help people fall asleep faster, have better-quality sleep, and feel more rested in the morning. Walking also reduces pain and lowers stress, both of which can lead to more disrupted sleep. A 30-minute walk a day might lead to a more restful mind and body at the end of the day.
Benefits of walking: De-stress.
Walking indoors or outdoors can help relieve stress. In addition to releasing our “feel-good” hormones, endorphins, walking also lowers levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. When paired with fresh air and peaceful outdoor scenery, it’s a great way to escape and unwind when overwhelmed.
Benefits of walking: Stay connected.
While it can be done alone, walking is also a great way to get out with a friend or two. Social connections are more important than you may think. They can lower anxiety and depression, help regulate emotions, and lead to higher self-esteem.
No matter how much time you have, you can reap the benefits of walking. You’ve probably heard of the 10,000-step goal, but research shows that the benefits start at fewer steps. A study focusing on older adults 70 and older found that walking just an extra 500 steps a day was associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart failure.
Experts recommend at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, of moderate exercise for adults 65 and older, but any amount of walking you can fit in is a step towards better health. Park your car a little further and walk an extra 5 minutes; choose the stairs over the elevator; walk to your local café for a coffee. Set yourself a walking goal, no matter how big or small, and see how long it takes to feel the benefits!
Speak to your doctor before starting any exercise routine, especially if you have any form of joint or muscle injuries or previous surgeries. If you’d prefer to walk alongside some company, you might consider our Social Support service. A healthy social life plays an essential role in your physical and mental health, and KompleteCare understands that maintaining social connections can become increasingly difficult for those who are elderly or living with a disability. It would be our pleasure to accompany you for a stroll and a chat. Call us on (08) 8265 5696 to learn more or complete an online enquiry form.