Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life, says the Mayo Clinic. Here are the six healthy benefits of daily walking.
If you’re one of those people who’ll do anything to avoid walking and even go as far as taking the lift instead of climbing two flights of stairs, you may want to change your ways.
A brisk walk counts as moderate intensity aerobic activity and is proven to be the most effective type of activity for maintaining a healthy heart.
But that’s just one of the many benefits of walking. There are more, five of which we document here.
Five other benefits of taking a daily walk:
According to Heath Bytes, daily walking, even for just 30 minutes, has the following effects on the human body:
#1: Lowers levels of artery-clogging blood fats
For men, this works hand in hand with a lowered risk of heart attack and also benefits the arteries that supply blood to the genitals and enable a man to get an erection.
Men whose arteries are clogged with cholesterol fats may not have sufficient blood flow to create a firm erection. Walking lowers these blood fats that narrow arteries and increases levels of HDL, the .good cholesterol that fights fatty buildup.
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#2: Controls body weight
Walking increases your body’s metabolism, which burns calories. This exercise increases the conversion of fat cells to energy and builds muscle tissue, which in turn burns more calories. Regular walking also tends to curb one’s appetite.
#3: Improves one’s mental outlook
A good workout releases endorphins, natural mood-elevating brain chemicals. Walking can actually put you in a good mood. In fact, one study showed walking is more effective than tranquilizers at relieving anxiety.
#4: Relieves back pain
Walking strengthens and tones muscles that stabilise your spine. Unlike jogging, it puts little stress on the spinal disks and knee and ankle joints. In fact, walking puts less stress on your spine than sitting does!
#5: Walking increases energy
Instead of eating a candy bar when you need a quick burst of energy, try taking a 10-minute walk. Dr. Robert Mayer, a professor at California State University, headed a study that found that a walk as short as 10 minutes not only produces extra energy but also produces a sudden burst of energy that outlasts the power boost of a candy bar.
Walkers also display less muscle tension than their candy-munching counterparts.
So how do you get these benefits of walking?
While the general goal is to aim for 30 minutes of walking, it’s OK to start slowly especially if you haven’t been exercising regularly. You might start with five minutes a day the first week and then increase your time by five minutes each week until you reach at least 30 minutes, advises the Mayo Clinic.
It may be worth it to start ditching the stairs and getting into the habit of walking, after all, “once you take that first step, you’re on the way to an important destination — better health.”
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