Pat_Health&Wellness Tools

I am sure you have heard this phrase so many times. It could mean,  telling someone to get off your back / go away as an idiomatic expression, or literal meaning; to actually go for a walk as an exercise or as a way to clear your head.

This blog focuses on the literal meaning in terms of exercising. Here are some lesser known fun and health facts when you take a  walk as part of your keep-fit routine.

Walking is a simple yet effective form of exercise with numerous benefits. Here are six lesser-known facts about walking:

1. Walking involves many muscles: Each step you take utilizes approximately 200 muscles, making walking a comprehensive full-body workout.  Yeah, I do feel most of my muscles whenever I take a walk.

2. Walking enhances Mental Well-being: Regular walking has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced creativity, contributing positively to mental health. Walking is my second go to ways of decompressing when stressed. My second way is knitting.

3. Walking supports Longevity: Consistently walking around 20-25 miles each week can extend your lifespan by several years compared to those who are inactive.  Hmm,  I remember my Granma who lived over 100 years old, used to walk a lot in the village. Could this be a contributing factor to her long life?

4. Walking burns significant calories: Engaging in 30 minutes of brisk walking can burn approximately 200 calories, aiding in weight management and overall health. I notice this weight reduction and feeling of being light whenever I am able to do my 3 times a week walking regularly. Tough with the snow but with spring and summer that’s doable and fun.

5. Walking improves sleep quality: Regular physical activity, such as walking, has been shown to enhance sleep quality, leading to better rest and overall health. Yeah, after a good walk,  your body will be more than ready to relax and sleep well at night.

6. Walking  briskly or participating in other aerobic exercises, such as, running and biking, for 20-40 minutes a day is helpful in reducing that pesky fat in your midsection.

Adding walking into your daily routine can yield these and many other health benefits. So do you want to take a walk?

For more reading, you can visit https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17637702/

Cheers and live healthy daily.