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Walking for Health
Walking offers a wide variety of health benefits. It may seem too easy an exercise to have such a big impact on your health, but it really is that simple. Walking may help you increase your energy, boost your mental health, and improve your heart health, among so many other perks!
Studies
A study published in 2017 assessed the energy levels of college-aged women after light exercise and after taking a low dosage of caffeine. Participants either performed 10 minutes of low to moderate stair-walking, consumed 50mg of caffeine, or received a placebo caffeine tablet. When compared to the control group or the caffeinated group, assessments revealed that the women who stair-walked experienced a greater energy boost. Considering that many people’s first and last defense against tiredness is caffeine, it may be time to consider other options. If circumstances permit, some people may find that a short walk can give them the boost they’re looking for instead of supplemental chemicals.
Walking can also have a profound impact on the state of our mental health, as demonstrated in this study. Walking has the power to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve a negative mood, and bolster our self-esteem. All of these effects culminate to strengthen and maintain our emotional wellbeing.
Another study published in 2009 shows the impact of walking and cardiovascular health. Just walking for 30 minutes each day can reduce the risks of coronary heart disease by 19%. That’s huge!
Walk, Walk, Walk
People often neglect physical activity thinking that they need to “go all out” with a workout regime to get results. However, the research clearly demonstrates how small commitments to our bodies are worthwhile endeavors. While killing it at the gym is great for experienced athletes, for most of us, a commitment to walking regularly is a much more attainable goal and no less effective! Our bodies will thank us for whatever activity we can manage. So don’t be afraid to start small—take a walk!
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We hope that this information on the impact of walking on your overall health is helpful for you.
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