Regular exercise vital is for maintaining good health. I’ve seen this firsthand during my years as a practicing Physical Therapist. While there are many options for getting active, one of the easiest and most accessible is simply walking. This low-impact form of exercise offers a range of benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels. In this blog post, I’ll explore some of the surprising ways that walking can improve your health, from reducing your risk of chronic disease to boosting your mood and mental clarity.
Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
Walking is a great way to burn calories and improve your body composition. According to the American Heart Association, a brisk walk at a moderate pace can burn up to 300 calories per hour. It can also help you build lean muscle, which increases your metabolism and makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight in the long run.
Reduces the Risk of Chronic Disease
Walking regularly can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. For example, research has shown that just 30 minutes of walking per day can significantly decrease the risk of heart disease. Walking can also help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, reducing their risk of complications.
Improves Mood and Mental Clarity
In addition to its physical benefits, walking can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Regular exercise has been linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Walking outdoors in particular can reduce stress and improve your mood by providing a change of scenery and exposure to natural light.
Lowers Inflammation and Improves Immune Function
Inflammation plays a role in many chronic diseases, from arthritis to Alzheimer’s. Walking has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, potentially helping to prevent or manage these conditions. Walking can also boost immune function, helping your body to fight off infections and illnesses.
Improves Joint Health and Balance
Finally, walking is a low-impact exercise that can improve joint health and balance, particularly in older adults. It can help reduce the risk of falls and improve overall functional mobility. Walking also strengthens the muscles surrounding your joints, potentially reducing the risk of injury.
Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. It offers a range of benefits for your health. From reducing the risk of chronic disease to improving mood and mental clarity, incorporating regular walks into your routine can help improve your overall well-being. So whether you’re taking a stroll around your neighborhood or hitting the trails, lace up your shoes and start reaping the benefits of walking today.
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Slowing the Progression of Arthritis
It is increasingly apparent that what is healthy for one’s heart is also good for one’s aching joints and knees. Current research links significant associations between the types of dietary fat intake with structural progression of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthirits (OA) also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) is the most common chronic condition of the joints affecting more than 3 million people a year or 27 million Americans. One in two adults will develop symptoms of OA in their lifetime (Arthritis Foundation, 2016). Common risk factors for developing arthritis include increasing age, previous joint injury, obesity, joint overuse, weak supporting muscles, and genes.
However, top researchers in the field of nutrition science affirm that following a healthy diet may be an effective strategy for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, following a healthy diet and lifestyle is by far more attractive than medications with respect to (long term) risks/benefits. The results of the following study offer hope for individuals searching for steps to limit the progression of OA.
