Every year, on the first
Wednesday of April, we celebrate National Walking Day. In 2025, National Walking Day falls on April
2.
Walking is considered one
of the easiest ways to stay fit and healthy; it has been proven effective in
preventing many illnesses including diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular
disease, with only as little as 30 minutes a day. So, what makes walking good for
your health, and why you should you build it into your daily routine? Read on
to find out…
Why
walking?
Walking is easy. It does not require
any special skills, complex technique or equipment. You can walk pretty much
everywhere, be in charge of your pace and time without spending any money
(except for some comfy shoes). Regular walks can help to prevent cardiovascular
diseases, lower your blood sugar and boost immune function. During a brisk
walk, our heart pumps more blood, which makes it stronger. It’s also great for
getting those legs toned up!
1.
Instant
mood-booster
When we walk our bodies are getting more oxygen, which translates into
more energy and puts us in a better mood. Generally, people who walk regularly
are physically fitter than those who do not exercise at all. Regular walking
also has a positive effect on our immunity, with people who walk daily are less
likely to catch a cold. As you walk outdoors, you also get more vitamin D which
contributes to higher energy levels, improved immunity, and better bone and
muscle health.
2.
Supports
maintaining a healthy weight
After only a few weeks of implementing regular walks into a daily
routine, those trying to lose weight will begin to notice its effect. Unlike
running or jogging, walking does not put pressure on your joints, back or
spine. Though it can be a less aerobic exercise, brisk walking for 45 minutes
will enable your body to burn around 300 calories (depending on the pace and
your weight). This makes it a perfect form of exercise for people with joint
injuries or those looking to maintain or lose weight.
3.
Better
sleep
It is said
that 10% to 30% of adults suffer from insomnia. While there may be many reasons
behind this, one of the solutions to aid better sleep is walking. Even a 20-30
minutes’ walk in the fresh air can help improve the quality of your sleep.
Especially for those who prefer working out in the evening, walking is a
perfect alternate evening exercise to vigorous activity such as aerobics, which
can disrupt your sleep.
- Discover new parts of
your local area
There are plenty of great walks around you if you choose to discover. The
list of benefits or regular walks is endless. It gives many physical and mental
health benefits and is a great way to go back to regular physical activity. It
can prevent serious illnesses and even make you live longer. On top of that, it
is free and easy to fit into our daily routines.
So
put your walking shoes on and enjoy!
