Walk your way to fitness
Know the benefits
For many years, I perceived any physical activity done for fitness as rather complicated and too taxing. Then physical pain I experienced in the shoulder blade in 2021, due to some inflammations led me to a physiotherapist whose only prescription was: WALK. 1, 2, 3 steps, I walked away my pain. Those simple steps of a daily brisk walk birthed a whole fitness regime and now I live a healthier life.
Here are some of the amazing benefits scientists say a regular brisk walk can do for you;
- Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
- Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Improve muscle endurance
- Increase energy levels
- Improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep
- Improve your balance and coordination
- Strengthen your immune system
- Reduce stress and tension
Research shows that the faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits. For example, you may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a kilometer in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers. This can be a great way to get aerobic activity, improve your heart health and increase your endurance while burning calories.
You can also alternate periods of brisk walking with leisurely walking. This type of interval training has many benefits, such as improving cardiovascular fitness and burning more calories than regular walking. Also, interval training can be done in less time than regular walking.
