Movement is health, it is life. Walking is part of the physical activities that everyone must introduce into their daily lives. Walking 15 to 30 minutes a day would improve not only the physical appearance but also the functioning of all body systems.
Some prefer to run, others to walk. Anyway, anyone who walks for 2 or 3 hours a week benefits from this activity by improving their cardiovascular health. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is one of the 10 causes of death worldwide and presents a risk of developing serious pathologies.
The benefits of walking
Physical activity is essential to stimulate metabolism, promote weight loss, and protect against certain chronic diseases and cancers. Also, it is advisable today, to practice walking as often as possible and here is why:
1. It helps to protect against cardiovascular disease
According to the American Heart Association, walking and running represent an interesting percentage in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, namely heart attacks and strokes. By including walking in one's daily life, one promotes the reduction of the blood pressure as well as the bad cholesterol and one ensures a good improvement of the blood circulation.
2. It improves respiratory health
Walking helps to oxygenate the blood and thereby eliminate toxins and metabolic waste from the body. It also allows people suffering from respiratory diseases to improve their physical condition.
3. It promotes digestion
A Chinese proverb has said it well: "Whoever walks 100 not after the meal will live until 99 years". Thus, this activity not only makes it possible to secrete digestive enzymes and improve intestinal muscle contraction in order to reduce constipation but also to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
4. It positively influences the brain
According to a scientific study published in the medical journal Experimental Biology, practicing walking has a considerable impact on the brain. Indeed, this activity launches pressure waves through the arteries and increases the emission of blood to the brain. Moreover, it prevents the appearance of Alzheimer's disease, following the increase in endorphins it generates.
5. It strengthens bone mass
Walking improves joint mobility, reduces bone loss and the risk of fracture. A regular 30-minute daily walk would reduce pain and stiffness and inflammation of the joints.
6. It promotes good vision
It seems strange to link the good vision to the practice of walking, yet it is not commonplace. Indeed, a daily walk lowers insulin levels which helps reduce intraocular pressure and the development of glaucoma.
7. It reduces cellulite
Walking is known as a "cardio" activity that helps you lose weight and burn calories. Thus it will encourage the body to tap into fat reserves, causes of cellulite. To do this, it is essential to adopt an accelerated pace of walking, so the destocking of fat will be done gradually but effectively. In addition, a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy states that doing 10,000 steps a day not only reduces weight but also improves the state of physical health and mood in overweight people .
8. It maintains muscle tone
According to WHO, walking is a physical activity that helps maintain muscle tone through energy expenditure. Also, it helps prevent and fight obesity.
So do not hesitate to put on your favorite sportswear and sneakers and go out for a breath of fresh air. It's simple and it's so good for your health!
