TEN BENEFITS OF WALKING

 Walking is not only a simple exercise that almost everyone can do, it's also a free activity that can aid in weight loss and maintenance.

Here are 10 more reasons to start or keep walking.

1. It sharpens your brain: 

walking becomes increasingly important as you age and your risk for dementia and other brain disorders increases. It can even help reverse the effects of aging. Moving in certain patterns with coordinated arm movements can also boost the brain benefits of walking.

2. It strengthens your bones:

Walking can help strengthen bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. While other forms of vigorous exercise such as running, jumping and weight lifting offers bones - strengthening benefits, the good news is that walking appears to do the same. 

3. It boost your mood: 

Numerous studies have linked walking for exercise with improved mood and reduced stress levels. And it's even better if you can take a stroll through nature - walking outdoors near greenery has been shown to help reduce feeling of frustration and may even help put your brain into a state of meditation. 

4. It enhances circulation: 

Regular physical activity like walking is great for your heart, it enhances your circulation, helping to lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke. Walking briskly for just 30 minutes a day is enough to improve heart health. 

5. It reduces risk of tripping and falling :

Stepping out on a regular basis could help prevent the trip and falls that can occur as we age. Balance loss and weak muscle in the shins can cause a shuffling gait that can put you at a higher risk of tripping and falling. Regular walks can help improve balance by strengthening the lower body. 

6. It bolster your memory: 

Having a hard time remembering where your keys are? Walking regularly appears to help specifically bolster the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in verbal memory and learning. According to a study, age - related memory decline was lower in those who walked more. 

7. It lessens pain of arthritis:

Walking most days of the week may help lessen pain and reduce symptoms for those with arthritis. The moderate, low - impact nature of walking is enough to lower pain and improve function for most. 

8. It improves blood glucose levels:

Walking can improve your blood glucose levels at anytime of the day or night but perhaps even more than so right after a meal. A brief 15 - minutes walk after a meal is effective at lowering blood sugar levels in 24hrs as a longer 45 - minute walk. 

9. It raises your immunity:

Stay healthy with daily steps. A walk every day may help your body fend off illness better. Regular exercise can also contribute to maintaining a healthy weight which helps reduce your risk of disease such as cancer and type II diabetes. 

10. It improves sleep:

Walking may help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, especially if you suffer from insomnia. A morning walk outdoors may be particularly beneficial since exposure to daylight can help you stay in tune with your natural circadian rhythms. 

Culled from www.blog.myfitnesspal.com