Walking is often ‘overlooked’ as a form of exercise that can have countless health and weight loss benefits. Michael Mosley has recently raved about how good walking can be for your health and for weight loss. One of his recent Instagram posts was surrounding the many benefits of daily walking can have, not just on your physique but on your metabolism and mental health as well.
We at Letpads know that our students are stressed recently with the on-going exams and deadlines. So, do remember to take some time out!!
Just doing a 30-minute walk can have plenty of impressive effects on your mind and body. Before you set off, remember to wear sensible shoes with good ankle support, as well as wearing an outfit with removable layers for maximum comfort.
Going out for a walk can be really beneficial to your mental health, especially if you’re feeling stressed with on-going deadlines or revision. Multiple studies have found that doing this every day can reduce your stress and anxiety levels, and by getting out into nature, you should feel calmer and at ease. By walking faster and for long distances, you could be extending your lifespan. The university of Sydney carried out a study finding that walking at a brisk pace may reduce the risk of mortality by 20 percent, in comparison to strolling.
As well as combatting anxiety and depression, walking has also been found to improve overall mood. A 2019 study recognised that the major depression was reduced by 26% as a result of walking for an hour each day, or running for 15 minutes. One of the best ways to get more vitamin D is to expose yourself to the sun rays. A walk in the sun for 10-15mintues per day, with arms and legs exposed, will place you in a better position to avoid deficiency- just make sure to always wear sun protection.
Movement helps to lubricate the joints, which means you’ll be able to move better and because walking is relatively low impact, starting slow and building up pace is good for increasing your strength. To avoid any sore muscles the next day, always make sure to cool down at the end by walking steadily. It can also help to lower blood sugar levels and minimise the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially if you go for a walk right after eating. Everyone’s body is different when it comes to burning calories and many will have different results.
However, there are a lot more calories to be burned when you’re walking, than when you’re sitting down on the sofa.