Walking: The Secret Weapon to a More Active Lifestyle

As a personal trainer and strength coach, Dr. Hartle has assisted countless people in accomplishing unthinkable feats of strength in the gym. On the flip side, as a licensed chiropractor, he has also seen the consequences of biting off way more than you can chew. So many people go from zero to one-hundred fast in search of a healthier and more active lifestyle. That is why this article will discuss the incredible health benefits that something as simple as walking can have on your life so that you don’t feel pressured to go straight for the heaviest weights at your local gym.

 

First of all, it’s easy.

As we mentioned earlier, it’s a great and simple alternative to blowing out your back or getting seriously injured by going too hard too fast. This truly unprecedented finding that walking is an easy way to workout is backed by fellow professionals. In fact, according to WebMD, “Walking may be the simplest way to work out. You can do it almost anywhere, and it’s a snap to get started: Just put one foot in front of the other.” So yeah, take that, nonbelievers!

Walking helps maintain body weight and burn calories.

All jokes aside, walking comes with so many incredible benefits for your health. It helps to monitor your body weight and lose some pounds without the added muscle stress that running causes. MayoClinic discussed that, “Regular brisk walking can help 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, and strengthen your bones and muscles.” If you’re looking to lose some weight, look no further than taking a walk around your block every day.

Your heart will be healthier.

As you start walking, you might notice a slight discomfort in your chest accompanied by a much faster heartbeat. That is your body’s way of telling you that your heart had to put in some work to ensure that you didn’t collapse on the sidewalk. In other words, it’s your body telling you that your heart is not in the best shape. Like any other exercise, though, the more you repeat the behavior, the easier it will be on your body. The American Heart Association shared, “With every step, walking offers benefits and is some of the best exercise for heart health. It can improve your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and energy levels.” Your heart will thank you for the walks that you take — we can promise you that.

It helps your body and your mind.

Have you ever heard of someone returning from a walk and feeling worse than they did when they left? Quite the opposite is usually the case, isn’t it? Well, there’s science to back up why that is the case. News Medical posted findings from a study saying, “According to Sports England, the benefits of physical activity on mental health include improved mood, reduced risk of depression and anxiety, and a more balanced way of life.” Walking truly gives you the best of both worlds with a one-two punch that can help you fight physical and mental health ailments.

 

We hope you use the information we shared today as the motivation you might’ve needed to implement a walk into your daily routine. Enjoy the fresh air.