Today, I want to share with you my absolute favorite form of exercise that I recommend to almost everyone: walking. Walking has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. In this post, I will discuss the advantages of walking, how to start a walking routine, why it’s important to walk every day, and ways to change up your routine for maximum effectiveness.
Benefits of Walking
Walking is not only a great way to stay physically fit but also has meditative benefits that can help with anxiety, depression, and mood. In addition, it can decrease the risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. It is important to train the muscles that support walking to maintain functionality as you age. Walking can also help increase calorie burn, reduce body fat, provide sunlight benefits, improve blood sugar response, and boost insulin sensitivity.
Tips on Starting a Walking Routine
If you’re looking to start a walking routine, consider multitasking by taking calls or watching shows while walking. You can also take short walk breaks during your workday to get at least 30 minutes of walking in each day. Remember to build up time and intensity slowly, starting with shorter walks and gradually increasing the duration as you build stamina.
Things to Consider While Walking
Ensure you are walking in a safe location, let someone know where you are going, and keep your cell phone and identification with you. Make sure you have comfortable shoes that provide adequate support and focus on using your glutes while walking to maintain good form.
Changing Up Your Walking Routine
To keep your walking routine interesting, consider changing your route, wearing a weighted vest, trying Nordic walking, adding speed blasts, incorporating strength circuits, walking with a friend, adding stairs into the rotation, or trying audio-based walking workouts.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to walking. Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking per day, in addition to your regular exercise routine. Start with a manageable amount of steps each day and gradually increase over time. Walking is a simple yet effective way to improve your overall health and well-being. Let me know in the comments if you love walking and how it has benefited you!
