Walking For Fitness, Health Benefits, Weight Loss & Happiness - A Way Of Life

Walking is easy, free, and one of the least complicated ways to get more active shed extra pounds and become healthier and stronger.

Occasionally disregarded as a means of exercise, walking briskly will allow you to build stamina, shed surplus calories and make your cardiovascular system healthier and stronger. You don't need to walk for a long time; however, you will reap some extra benefits if you do.

If you are new to walking and exercise in general, start slow, building up your walking base before taking on longer, harder challenges.

One of the great things about walking is that you don't need loads of gear if you are a beginner and want to stick to shorter walking. Comfortable and well-fitting shoes or trainers are a must though. You chosen footwear should provide the ankles with adequate support and not cause blisters from being too tight.

If you're walking to work, you could wear your usual work clothes with a comfy pair of shoes and change shoes when you get into work. This depends on the pace you are going to be walking at. If it is at a slow and leisurely pace, then regular clothes are fine. If you are going to be putting in some effort and might build up a sweat - take a change of clothes with you.

You may want to invest some more specialist gear and equipment for longer walks in the countryside, along canals or hiking trails. Take some water in a hydration bladder that holds enough water for your walk. Take with you some healthy snacks when you need that boost of energy: a spare top, sunscreen and a sun hat in a small day pack and rucksack.

If you start going for longer walks regularly (2 or 3 times a month), you may want to invest in a waterproof jacket and some specialist walking shoes for more challenging routes.

Health & Fitness Benefits Of Walking

Needless to say, you probably know that any physical exercise, including walking, can be a supercharge to your health and energy levels. However, walking specifically possesses a multitude of extra health benefits. Here you can find the list of benefits that that could surprise you.

Burn Calories By Walking

Brisk walking may help you burn calories. Burning calories can help you to maintain or reduce weight. I tend to view calories, not as a negative - I see them as energy and fuel. The more you move, the faster you move, the longer you move, the more energy and fuel you will need. In other words, the more calories you will need. You weight loss goals that you have - lose, maintain, or maybe gain weight - determine how many calories you need throughout the day.

Several factors, including: would determine your calorie burn

• Walking pace/speed - the faster you walk, the more calories you will burn.
• Distance covered on your walk.
• Terrain (you’ll use up more calories walking uphill than you’ll burn over a flat surface).
• Your weight - the heavier you are, the more energy (calories) it will take to walk.

The above is just a guide; however, it highlights the difference between walking at a slow pace vs a brisk pace in terms of the number of calories burnt. If you are new to walking as I have previously said - start slow. As you build up your walking fitness, you can add extra challenges such as speed and hill, to boost your walk.

Ease Joint Pain By Walking Regularly

Walking can help you protect the joints, including your knees and hips. That’s since it helps lubricate and strengthen the muscles that support the joints. Building muscles around your joints help support the joints and relieve strain and pressure on them.

Walking can also offer fitness benefits for people living with arthritic pain, such as decreasing pain. And walking 5 to 6 miles a week may also help prevent arthritis or slow down the onset.

Furthermore, walking can increase levels of certain types of chemicals within your brain - known scientifically as neurotransmitters - it is these transmitters that will help your nervous system work efficiently. This can include a type of neurotransmitter that will reduce pain.

Boost Your Mood By Walking

Walking may also help your mental health and overall wellbeing and happiness. Research has revealed it will help reduce panic and anxiety, depression, and a negative mood. Additionally, it may enhance self-esteem and reduce signs and symptom