Walking is one of the primary gaits of terrestrial locomotion. It is slower than other gaits and is characterized by an inverted pendulum gait, where the body vaults over stiff limbs. It is a great form of exercise for people of all ages. It can help lower blood pressure and weight and improve brain function.
Low-impact exercise
Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that benefits both your heart and lungs. It also boosts your immunity, which means you’re less likely to catch a cold. Researchers found that those who walked moderately on a daily basis had fewer colds and upper respiratory tract infections. Walking is also a great way to keep a cold at bay even if you’re not feeling well.
Another benefit of low-impact exercise is its benefits for bones. As we age, our bones become weaker, and this is often caused by sedentary lifestyles, lower calcium levels, and hormone changes. Low-impact exercises like walking help protect your bones and joints and are accessible to almost everyone.
Lowers blood pressure
A regular walking program can reduce your blood pressure naturally. It is an easy, inexpensive and quick way to improve cardiovascular risk factors. The key is finding an exercise program that is right for you. Walking is as beneficial for people with hypertension as it is for healthy people with low blood pressure. It requires no special equipment or training and can lower blood pressure without a prescription from your doctor.
Researchers at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia, looked at the impact of walking on blood pressure in two groups. One group received an aerobic-training program that consisted of 30 minutes of brisk walking every day. They assessed the subjects’ blood pressure in two different ways: systolic (pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats) and diastolic (pressure during the time between beats). Walking was found to reduce blood pressure significantly in both groups.
Lowers weight
Walking is a great form of exercise and can help lower weight. It also improves your health by strengthening your muscles and bones. Moreover, it has been shown to reduce your blood pressure. Moreover, walking is a low-impact exercise, so it doesn’t put any stress on your joints. Moreover, walking can help you improve your mood as well as your cognition. To maximize your walking benefits, it is best to take your walk at the right time of the day.
The amount of weight loss will vary depending on the amount of time spent walking, intensity, and frequency. However, a one-hour walk per day can lead to weight loss of approximately five pounds. As a bonus, walking can also help you maintain your weight loss. Besides, walking can improve your cardiovascular system, leading to better blood pressure control and lower blood sugar levels.
Improves brain function
According to a new study, walking can improve brain function. The process of walking increases pressure waves in the arteries, which in turn increases the flow of blood to the brain. Hence, walking improves brain function in numerous ways. It also helps in improving mood and sleep. Walking is an easy way to stay healthy and achieve optimal mental performance.
In addition to increasing physical activity, walking also encourages the brain to release endorphins, which enhance mental health and reduce sensitivity to stress. Endorphins have been associated with feelings of euphoria, including increased happiness. A survey from the U.K. found that just ten minutes of daily walking could boost women’s mood. Furthermore, walking increases the level of brain protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is essential for neuronal development and cognitive function. Dysregulation of BDNF is known to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Reduces risk of chronic illnesses
According to research, regular walking helps to reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses. It can also help improve one’s mood and reduce the chances of developing depression. It is also good for aging adults as it improves mobility and increases muscle strength in the lower body, reducing the risk of falls. It can also help maintain independence in people with chronic illnesses.
Physical inactivity is a serious problem in the U.S., affecting nearly one-third of Americans. It is also a significant financial and medical burden for our health care system. According to the American Heart Association, inactivity puts people at risk for a number of chronic diseases. People who exercise at least 30 minutes daily can reduce their risk by as much as 25%.
