Walking is a simple, accessible and interesting way to improve your well-being and physical fitness. It does not require any special equipment other than comfortable clothes and shoes.
Oncologist of the 1st category of the HappyDerm medical center Lyudmila Artyushkevich highlights several reasons why it is worth walking more often in the fresh air.
Good for the heart
Walking is a great way to strengthen your heart and improve circulation, which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Strengthening the musculoskeletal system
In addition, walking helps strengthen the musculoskeletal system and prevent the development of arthritis and osteoporosis.
Reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome
Another reason for walking is to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is caused by a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition. Brisk walking helps reduce blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and excess weight.
Weight control
Walking also helps control weight, as it speeds up metabolic processes and burns calories, tones various muscle groups, including legs, stomach and even arms, if you use Nordic walking poles. In addition, walking stimulates bile secretion and intestinal peristalsis, which helps normalize digestion.
Improving brain function
Walking can also help maintain eye health and improve brain function. Regular aerobic exercise, including walking, helps maintain vision for a long time.
In addition, walking improves thinking and memory, helps creative people find inspiration, and reduces the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
For a peaceful sleep
Walking helps improve the quality of sleep, reduces the risk of insomnia and problems falling asleep. In addition, proper rest plays a key role in a long and healthy life.
Stress reduction
Walking is a quick and effective way to reduce stress. It helps normalize cortisol levels and clears the mind.
For pain relief
Chronic pain can be relieved by regular walking. Even if it does not completely eliminate the pain, it does reduce it.
For disease prevention
Physical activity is a "magic pill" that can prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease. Walking has no side effects and does not require a prescription.
Interesting facts about walking
- Up to 200 muscles are involved during walking.
- To cover a distance of 1 kilometer, a person takes approximately 1205 steps.
- A person's height can be determined by the size of their feet.
- Women run slower than men because of their wider pelvis.
- Scientists have calculated that at the beginning of the 20th century, a person walked about 75 thousand kilometers in his life. Modern inhabitants of our planet walk only about 24 thousand kilometers.
Do you manage to walk for at least 30 minutes a day?
