The Benefits of Walking Yourself to Better Health and Fitness

What is one of the most productive and effective ways of exercise? Walking!

Walking in fact is not just one of the most effective ways of exercise, it’s also one of the oldest. Humans are designed to walk, it is how they evolved and thrived. It is how they overcame obstacles in the wild, found food and water, and expanded territory. You could say that in fact humans are literally meant to walk. So if this is true, it’s clear what happens when you don’t do what you’re supposed to do. You are not as healthy, not as fit, and not as happy. This is exactly why walking is great for you.

Some of the benefits of walking include increased cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness for your heart and lungs. Walking also increases provides benefit, which is reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It also improves the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and high cholesterol, as well as decreased joint and muscular pain, stiffness, and diabetes. Plus it can lead to stronger bones and better balance. Mentally, there is nothing more refreshing than taking a nice, calm, and refreshing walk to clear the cobwebs out of your mind, and getting good air into your lungs.

Most cities and states in North America and Europe have parks and hiking trails in which you can get out and walk. California has a lot of great spots where you can walk. In cities like San Francisco, it seems like everyone either walks or hikes on a regular basis. In Los Angeles, there are beautiful places along the boardwalk and the beaches where you can walk and walk and walk.

It is recommended that you walk at least 30 to 45 minutes nearly every day. You don’t have to do it all at once, you can break it up into a 10 minute chunks, but the pace that you set is important. You don’t need to break a sweat, but your goal is to get your heart pumping.

So get out there and take a walk, your body and your mind will thank you