One of the perks of living on a tropical island like Bali is that we are (almost) always blessed with beautiful weather. And yes, it indeed looks like the rainy season is soon arriving. Thus, before that happens, make sure that you enjoy healthy outdoor activities, such as walking, as much as you can before facing Bali’s rainy days. Find out more about walking health benefits in the following.
Though simple, walking is a form of exercise that can improve your physical and mental health. Sure, this is not the first time you’ve heard this, but the extent of the benefits might surprise you!
Several Walking Health Benefits You Will Love to Hear
In this article, we would like to share four of our favorite research-backed walking health benefits. Let’s see if this list would finally get you to commit to that daily walk you might have been thinking about for a while now!
#1 It boosts your immune system
One of the most vital things everybody must do to stay healthy, especially during the pandemic, is to step up their game in keeping the immune system as strong as possible. Though often overlooked, walking works wonders in boosting your immune system. It increases the number of white blood cells that circulate in your blood. This benefit has been proven in many research, including a study published in the World Journal of Experimental Medicine that showed how the white blood cell count increased significantly after only five minutes of physical exercise.
Furthermore, according to Harvard Health Publishing, a study of over 1,000 people has found that those who walked at least 20 minutes per day for at least five days a week had fewer sick days of 43% compared to those who exercised once a week or less. The study also showed that the first group had shorter durations of sickness and also milder symptoms.
Read More: Four Ways to Tune up Immunity during the Pandemic
#2 It can ease joint pain
One of the most widely cited benefits of walking is pain relief, including arthritis-related pain. Walking protects your joints by keeping them lubricated and therefore promotes joint health. At the same time, walking also strengthens the surrounding muscles that support the joints. Various studies have also found that walking 5-6 miles per week can even prevent arthritis. And since prevention is always better than cure, why not set your weekly target right now?
#3 It increases your energy levels
Yes, walking is indeed great for your mood and makes you feel energized. And this is definitely not just a random thing. Studies have shown that even low to moderate exercise effectively increases blood flow around the body, causing more blood to reach the muscles in the legs and also your brain! The latter is what makes you feel energized after doing exercises, including walking.
A 2008 study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic found that a group of adults who were previously sedentary reported that they felt more energetic after six weeks of implementing 20 minutes of low to moderate aerobic exercise, for three days a week. Now, that is how much positive change you can bring into your life by walking for one hour a week.
#4 It improves your cardiovascular health
Years of scientific research have proven that walking can reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases. As a result, many experts have stated that walking can potentially play a vital role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. And therefore, walking is the best prescription to prevent coronary heart disease. But why wait until you need a prescription. Grab your shoes, and start today!
Reap the Walking Health Benefits Starting from Today!
At last, if you are currently not exercising regularly, we hope that you are now excited to commit to daily walks. Keep in mind to stay safe by sticking to locations that allow you to practice the necessary social distancing for the time being. Here’s to healthy habits for a healthier life!
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