Why YOU should get walking!

About a month ago, we shared with you some of the ways that prolonged sitting can be detrimental to your overall health and well-being. Yes, we all know we probably sit a little bit more (or some of us a lot more) than we should. But today I want to encourage you, and in fact challenge you to get up and get moving! Don’t worry it’s not that hard, and in fact I’m going to give you the perfect tool to get you started. It’s simple, requires no special equipment, and you can get started immediately. So without further adieu, let’s talk about some of the benefits of power walking.

1. Walking can increase energy levels.

A 2008 study found that mild to moderate exercise actually increased subjects’ energy levels (reference 1). One of the surprising benefits found in the study, was increased energy levels in walkers vs. joggers. The authors suggest that by adopting a walking routine rather than a jogging routine, you may see a general improvement in your energy level throughout the day. Who doesn’t want more energy?

2.  Lower risk of injury (as compared to jogging/running).

When you’re jogging and your feet leave the ground during each stride, your feet must make contact with the ground once again. This puts you at risk for more injuries as compared to power walking, where one foot is always on the ground. Even seasoned athletes can run the risk of a rolled ankle and pulled muscles because of jogging. However, walking allows you to control your movements more efficiently, thus helping you to avoid painful injuries that could sideline you from physical activity for weeks at a time.

3. Getting outside to exercise reduces depression and anxiety.

“Researchers found that anything from a stroll in the park to a run through the woodland can have a positive effect on people suffering from depression and anxiety. The study also showed that the positive effect on people’s mental health was 50% more than they might expect from going to the gym (reference 2).” So get to the parks, paths, and trails people! If you’re tight on time, go for a walk around the block in your neighborhood or during your lunch break at work.

4. Anyone can do it, regardless of fitness level.

While jogging is sometimes viewed as a method of exercise meant for those who are already fit, unless you have certain medical conditions, walking is well within your fitness level. That means that nearly anyone can begin power walking as a way to create healthier habits and an overall healthier lifestyle. The only way to start is to put one foot in front of the other until you’ve increased your fitness level as a gateway to other methods of exercise.

5. Walking is free, easy and can be done everyday.

No excuses! Get out there with a friend, your kids, your spouse, your dog, or have some quiet time on your own. It doesn’t matter if you get moving morning, noon, or night, just make it a priority to schedule in some power walking time at least once a day. I’m telling you, once you get started, it’s kind of addictive…

References:

1. Timothy W. Puetz, et al. (2008) A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Feelings of Energy and Fatigue in Sedentary Young Adults with Persistent Fatigue. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

2. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/9344129/Jogging-in-forest-twice-as-good-as-trip-to-gym-for-mental-health.html