Start Walking Today!

Wednesday April 7, 2010 is National Start Walking Day!

There are so many benefits of walking, that it would be difficult to enumerate them all in a single blog. Research has shown that people who walk regularly have lower incidences of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer, and other similar diseases. A brisk walk any time in the day can do more for uplifting the mood than any visit to a psychiatrist or anti-depressant drugs. Fro most people it is the easiest form of exercise which requires no expensive equipment, apart from a good pair of shoes, can be done practically in any weather and terrian, and done at any age, from the very young to the ripe old age. Given below are a few more benefits of walking.

1. Walking increases cardiovascular fitness
Walking increases the capacity of the lungs and heart to supply oxygenated blood to the muscles as well as enhances the ability of the muscles to use the oxygen to create energy for physical activity. This also helps reduce high blood pressure.

2. Walking increases bone density
Since it is a weight bearing exercise, walking helps to increase the strength and density of bones, especially of the lower back and hips. This prevents osteoporosis, and also reduces the chances of suffering from hip fractures, as one grows older.

3. Walking helps in weight control
Body weight can be kept in control when one expends calories via physical exercise like walking. The best way to keep one's weight in check is to maximize the amount of calories expended along with eating healthy and nutritious food.

4. Walking helps to burn fat
Another way walking helps to keep weight under control is by burning fat. Those who are obese and lead a sedentary lifestyle can increase their fitness levels by taking up walking since its a a good form of exercise to start with. Walking helps in working out a steady pace for an extended period of time, which is the most effective way to burn fat.

5. Walking reduces depression
Research has proven that walking improves one's sense of self worth and mood, and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When done in pleasant environs along with friends, it can be a way of being in contact socially and be a therapeutic form of relaxation. This also helps in sleeping better, which also helps in keeping the mood on even keel.

6. Walking keeps your brain young
Apart from a healthy body, walking can also keep your brain functioning at is optimum best, reducing the chances of aging related mental deterioration. It enables this by reducing the chances of disease like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes, which can affect the flow of blood to the brain, and also because it increases the flow of blood to the brain while reducing the blood pressure. Also, walking with friends and enjoying nature's soothing effects also help to keep the brain simulated and young.

To derive the most benefits of walking, it is recommended to walk as briskly as you can. When you walk briskly, your heart will work harder than when strolling or at rest, however without beating uncomfortably fast, and your breath will also be deeper, but with conversation being possible.

So grab a co-worker and walk over the noon hour, grab a friend or a neighbor and walk after or before work, and you can always make it a family event!