Surprising Things that Walking Do to Our Mind & Body

Lisa Franchi April 29, 2016

Tweet

Walking is part of our daily life. From the bedroom to the kitchen, from the door to car, and from the car to our desk - we all walk. But most of us spend less and less time walking these days. Many of us spend countless hours sitting in our desk. And when we walk, we do it mindlessly.  

Walking may be the simplest form of exercise. So it is too surprising why some people don’t take advantage of it. Once done properly, walking as a workout can have significant effects on your body. 

There are many great reasons to walk. Here are some of them: 

Your metabolism improves. 

You don’t always need a high-intensity form of workout to lift your metabolism. Walking increases your body’s demand for energy which results to a boost in your metabolism. For a maximum metabolism boost, opt for brisk walking for an hour. 

Walking boosts digestion. 

There’s one great reason to head out for a short stroll after meal. Walking stimulates your digestive tract which makes it easy for your stomach to digest food. A 2008 study by German researchers found that walking increases the rate by which food moved through the stomach. Other studies have also shown that walking lowers down blood sugar levels after meal, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

Walking relaxes you. 

Stressed out? Walk away. Walking is a great exercise if you’re looking to release tension from your body. Walking warms up your muscles and stretches them, thus, improving blood flow in your system. Walking also helps clear your mind during stressful moments. If you’re stuck in a difficult problem or an argument, take a break and walk. You’d have a better perspective once you get back. 

It strengthens your legs. 

Want to build strength and endurance? Make walking a habit. Walking leads to stronger legs, calves and hamstrings. If you want more challenge, try walking hills, taking the stairs, and walking on a more challenging terrain. 

You burn calories! 

Yes. Simply walking can already help you burn calories. But if you want to burn more, you may want to walk at a fast and steady rate so your heart would beat faster, causing you to breathe harder and deeper. This workout does not only benefit your belly but also your heart. 

Walking is a great way to stay healthy and lean. It is an effective exercise choice for people who have medical problems, including heart disease. Make sure to drink lots of water and wear sunscreen when walking outdoors.