9 health benefits if you walk

There is an opinion that walking is not the best type of physical activity: they say, how can such a "relaxed" (compared to training in the gym, running, etc.) pastime bring health benefits? Maybe some more!

1. Healing effect for the whole body

Walking strengthens the muscles of the whole body and straightens the posture, keeps the joints, bones and spine in tone, normalizes the work of the respiratory system, improves the work of the cardiovascular system, normalizes blood pressure, lowers blood sugar, and therefore resists the appearance of excess weight and diabetes mellitus.

2. Reduction of the risk of chronic diseases

Walking reduces blood sugar, the risk of developing diabetes, lowers blood pressure and the likelihood of stroke by 20-40%.

3. Prevention of varicose veins

Walking is a proven way to prevent the appearance of convex lines on the legs or delay the onset of the disease.

And if you already suffer from varicose veins, daily walking will help smooth out discomfort in your legs and reduce swelling.

4. Acquisition of slimness

Walking is one of the most effective ways to change the structure of the body for the better and lose weight. Daily walks increase metabolism, burn extra calories and strengthen muscle mass.

Interval walking forces the body to burn calories long after the workout is over. To do this, devote 3 minutes to warm-up, after which alternate one minute of fast walking and 1 minute of very fast walking (at the limit of your capabilities). After that, take 2 minutes to rest, continuing to walk, and then repeat everything from the beginning. The ideal duration of interval training is 25 minutes.

5. More time and energy for other things

Regular sports activity, whether it is walking or something else, allows a person to do routine tasks faster, as it gives more strength and energy.

6. Alleviation of joint pain

While walking, the body's blood circulation improves, the mobility of the joints increases, and the muscles surrounding them are strengthened. 10 minutes of walking a day

7. Improvement of mood

A few squares of dark chocolate and a cup of coffee are guaranteed to improve your mood. But walking has the same advantages with one important difference: it does not add calories, but on the contrary, it burns them.

Studies show that regular walking has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system, calming anger and reducing hostility. The effect is stronger if you walk in a park or forest, full of greenery, and the sun gives you its rays.

8. Strengthening immunity

Ordinary walking is a good aid for strengthening immunity during seasonal diseases and beyond.

9. Improving the quality of sleep

Those who regularly play sports know how physical activity affects falling asleep and the duration of sleep. Athletes fall asleep as soon as their head touches the pillow, and they sleep soundly.

A 2019 study among women showed that postmenopausal women who practice moderate physical activity sleep better at night than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. At the same time, walking can reduce pain and stress levels.