There is a lot of value in simplicity. The simple act of walking is so valuable for your health. Walking is a relaxing, enjoyable way to exercise your body and improve your health. Every part of your body benefits from walking, and your spirit does too.
The More You Walk, The More You Benefit
As you walk, you carry yourself along, so it is a weight bearing exercise. Weight bearing exercise strengthens your bones and muscles, and causes your heart and lungs to work as well. Walking briskly is most effective and very invigorating. You should at least walk briskly for 30 minutes to get the best results. You can always work up to this if you are just starting out with exercise and you can definitely exceed 30 minutes if you are strong enough. The more you walk, the more you benefit.
A Consistent Walking Routine
The natural and fluid motion of walking increases your flexibility and coordination, it lowers your blood pressure, and it lowers your bad cholesterol while increasing your good cholesterol. Your heart is continually working and strengthening, so this lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to do very strenuous exercise in order to receive these benefits. All you need is a consistent walking routine, with warm up stretches before you begin and cool down stretches at the completion of the walk.
“A recent Harvard study shows that walking at a moderate pace (3 mph) for up to 3 hours a week—or 30 minutes a day–can cut the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 40%. This is the same benefit you would get from aerobics, jogging, or other vigorous exercise. The benefits to men are comparable.” – The Health Benefits of Walking
Walking Promotes Digestion
Another welcome benefit of walking is the assistance it gives to your digestive system. It promotes digestion and helps to move the food through your digestive system. It also prompts the cleansing of the lymphatic system. When you take a nice stroll after a meal, your food is digested and absorbed better. This gives fats no time to sit around and accumulate. Walking alters fat metabolism so that fat is burned instead of sugars, helping to reduce weight.
Maximize Your Walking Regime
A perfect way to maximize your walking regime is to deep breathe while walking. Your lungs are working, open and receptive to receive some added oxygen. Inhale a few paces, exhale a few paces. Affirm positivity as you walk along the way. Inhale health and strength, exhale sickness and immobility. Let the natural walking rhythm release your tension and anxiety to bring you peace and rejuvenation.
Spiritually Uplifting
Walking outdoors, in the midst of nature, allows you to commune and be a part of your fellow creations. It is very spiritually uplifting! There is a mix of natural aroma therapy and color therapy that take place as well. Walking can also be enjoyed on a social level, with the company of family or friends. The walk always seems easier and more pleasant in the midst of friendly conversation and mutual aspiration.
Walking is a wonderful exercise which is not at all difficult to accomplish. The main challenge is just to get up and out, because once you take the first step, it is simply enjoyable. It is profoundly beneficial to your overall health. Enjoy your walk!
Andrea Phillips writes on an array of topics like Health and Nutrition, Organic Agriculture, and Relationships, to name a few. She has also written for a publishing company in Washington, DC, and an organic agricultural newsletter in Israel.
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