You Need to Walk Daily: Here's Why
By Virginia Laird
Have you ever considered walking as part of a great exercise? Many overlook this simple task when trying to break a sweat. Others, who struggle to find the drive to head to the gym, may choose to skip exercise completely rather than partaking in a simple workout. While exercising for hours on end at the gym may not be for everyone, walking for just a few minutes each day is something that most can do. Research suggests that as little as 20 minutes of walking each day can offer a great many benefits for those who make this a habit. Some of these benefits include:
- Walking can help tone the legs
- Walking can be fun with friends
- Walking can help prevent and manage diabetes
Walking Can Help Tone the Legs
Toning your legs can be a daunting task, and at times can seem to be impossible. However, fitness experts advise that walking is one of the best exercises to help tone and shape the legs. Walking can help burn fat on the legs while strengthening the muscles. For those looking to tone up, begin making time to walk each day.
Walking Can Reduce Stress
If you are looking to reduce stress after a long day of work, taking a brisk walk through your neighborhood can do the trick. Research suggests that as little as 20 minutes of walking can help release tension in the body which can help decrease stress. Getting rid of stress can help improve other aspects of your health, including improving heart health.
Walking Can Help Prevent and Manage Diabetes
Those who suffer with diabetes know how important it can be to exercise routinely as a way to manage the disease. Walking is a great, low-stress exercise which can help lower blood sugar levels. Healthcare experts suggest that walking is one of the best ways to naturally manage diabetes. These same professionals suggest that walking regularly can have an impact on the amount of medication needed to manage diabetes. If you are looking to reduce the amount of medication you need as part of your care, consider making walking after each meal (for at least 15 minutes) part of your daily routine.
Now is the time to begin setting aside just a few minutes each day to walk. Walk alone or with a friend, either way, it can change your life and improve your health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.