WALKING
Never underestimate the power of a walk! While more impactful exercise such as running or cycling is great for burning calories, for those who may struggle to incorporate these types of exercises can benefit greatly from a good walk, even if just a couple per week!
Benefits of walking
- Fresh air – Unfortunately a lot of us don’t get enough fresh air. Unlike only 20-30 years ago when most families spent time out in nature, we now spend most of our times indoors, watching TV or scrolling through social media. Breathing in fresh air gives us life; it promotes the circulation of oxygen, which gives us clarity, enhances our level of energy, relieves stress and anxiety, and even aids our digestion!
- Mindfulness – When we walk, specifically in nature, we tend to go into meditation without even knowing it! Our surroundings help us to feel relaxed, and by focusing on the different trees and plants or listening to the birds, it helps to limit those intrusive thoughts from entering our minds. Being around nature also helps us feel more grounded and connected.
- Get fit with ease – Walking is a great way of burning calories minus the physical impact. And it’s so accessible! Simply step out of your front door and get walking. No need for the pricey running gear to get going!
EXERCISE
If on the other hand you do have the capability to carry out more strenuous exercise, such as running, cycling and weight training, that’s a bonus! In addition to the benefits of walking, more strenuous exercise provides a multitude of health advantages.
Benefits of exercise
- Releases endorphins – Endorphins are hormones that your body releases during exercise and other activities. This causes a pleasurable experience and helps you to feel good – not only for that moment, but for the hours or even days afterwards.
- Helps to clear your mind – Having a good workout helps you to release any tensions or stress held within the body, helping to clear you mind and thereby gaining clarity and focus.
- Lose weight – Increased exercise promotes calorie expenditure. If you expend/burn more calories than you take in, you will lose weight!
- Creates an internal discipline – When you begin to incorporate weekly exercise, you are teaching your brain to adapt to this new routine. New neural pathways are made within the brain, and this helps you to stay disciplined going forwards, not just with exercise, but with all aspects of life – e.g waking up early, eating healthily and more!
So, as you can see, there are many valuable benefits to walking and exercise! It may take some willpower from your end to get moving, but once you start and feel the enjoyment that comes with it, you’ll be hooked!
