We all know that exercise does us good - but did you know that walking has huge health benefits even in small quantities
Moderate intensity walking has just as effective benefits as jogging like lowering the risk of high blood pressure - and you don’t even need to wear lycra!
The physical benefits of walking are clear:
1. You can reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes by walking regularly. It’s great cardio exercise, lowering levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. The Stroke Association says that a brisk 30-minute walk every day helps to prevent and control the high blood pressure that causes strokes, reducing the risk by up to 27 percent.
2. A brisk walk helps to boost your circulation and increase oxygen supply to all your cells, giving you great benefits such as more energy and even healthier looking skin.
3. Walking even boosts your immune system for 24 hours - who knew?
4. Physically active employees also take 27% less sick days than non-active employees, leaving them healthier the whole year round.
5. Walking is also great for getting some more Vitamin D. Many people in the UK are vitamin D deficient which is essential for important things such as bone health.
Walking has plenty of mental health benefits as well:
6. Being active promotes mental health and wellbeing. It improves self perception and self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and it reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue.
7. Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed.
8. Physical activity stimulates the release of body chemicals called endorphins, which act as natural painkillers, reduce stress and produce feelings of wellbeing.
9. Walking improves cerebral blood flow and lowers the risk of vascular disease, which may be linked to helping you stave off dementia.
10. Scientists at Essex University found that our well being is boosted significantly with as little as 5 minutes outdoor exercise.
And even a few unexpected perks...
So share with us your walking selfies and stories to @WestfieldHealth
Sources:
https://www.tescoliving.com/articles/8-reasons-why-walking-is-great-for-your-health
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/getting-started-guides/Pages/getting-started-walking.aspx
https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/Walking%20works_LONG_AW_Web.pdf
http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/pfa/walk-at-work/the-benefits-of-workplace-walking.html