Walking is one of the very best ways you can choose to move. It’s free, accessible to people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels, easy on your body and can be as challenging as you want it to be.
For those people who are focused on weight loss, a brisk walk is a great way to push your metabolism into the fat burning zone and improve your cardiovascular health as well.
But there are some extra advantages to going for a walk that you may not have considered yet.
You can walk with kids.
Little ones can be pushed in a pram, older children can walk with you. Either way it’s an opportunity to have a chat with them about the things around you, and what is happening in their lives without the technological distractions of home.
Walking is like meditation.
When you go for a walk you can get ‘in the zone’ just like with running. The repetitive physical motion can be a signal to your brain to relax as well, and you might find yourself able to deal with emotional and mental issues with more clarity. It can be a great time to become inspired with new ideas as well.
You’re not likely to break yourself.
Unlike other stop/start or high impact sports, unless you are prone to falling over, chances are you won’t injure yourself when you’re out for a walk. Which doesn’t sound like that big of a deal, but if you’ve ever been sidelined from a sport you love due to injury you already know that actually, it is!
You don’t need gear.
Of course if you LIKE gear, there is plenty available. Hello Nike Frees and nice capris! But really the only necessity is a pair of decent shoes and the determination to just get off your bum and out the door. Everything else is just window dressing.
Your family will thank you.
Walking regularly not only improves your heart health, circulation, digestive function and metabolic processes, it can also make a huge difference to your mental health. And everyone benefits from that!
So what are you waiting for? Lace up and just get out there!
Happy walking!
