Posts Tagged ‘walking’
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Walking can be as good an exercise as jogging for lowering cholesterol, improving general health, reducing the risk of a heart attack, improving fitness or losing weight. Sounds great. doesn’t it? But an occasional walk around the block is not going to give you those health advantages.
To get the full benefits of a walking exercise program you must first do it regularly, at least five days a week. But it is best if you can do it every day of the week, if possible.
Walk briskly. A leisurely stroll is not going to get the job done. And, you walks should be long, preferably at least half an hour at a time.
As motivation, think about the psychological benefits walking provides. Did you know walking relieves depression? While the exact reasons for this are unknown, it’s not just fresh air and the great outdoors that alleviate depression. There is a physiological effect on the brain chemistry. Current theories attribute it to amines (a chemical compound in the neuro-transmitters) and endorphines (a pain killer released by the brain).
Walking also reduces anxiety and is a good, constructive way to dissipate anxious energy that is not being used. Using this energy constructively makes people less tense.
Walking can aid in building self esteem. Brisk walks stop people from accepting the idea that their bodies are deteriorating or they have no control over how their body appears. Walking shows them they can choose to be healthy.
Walking creates a sense of exhilaration. While most people assume that a long walking regiment will tire them out, they, instead, find that they have more energy to get to work and feel less aggressive when going home.
They stop barking at their spouse and kids. This is due, in part, because an increase in energy resulted from an improved circulation and more oxygen in the system.
Exercise is so important to maintain a fit and healthy mind and body.
One can’t go wrong to implement a daily, long, brisk walking program into their lifestyle. Walking is a general toner for the body and the mind. Once you begin a routine walking regiment, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t started sooner.
