Other than the obvious: It’s free and pretty much predictable at what time you will get somewhere, walking also has great health benefits. If your doctor has no concerns, walking briskly is even better.
The benefits…
It’s mildly aerobic, getting your heart and lungs working
Improves circulation and can help lower blood pressure
Walking a mile can burn about 100 calories
Has great cognitive benefits. Some suggest it improves your memory too
Great help with insulin sensitivity. A fifteen minute walk after every meal curbs risky spikes in blood sugar
Can help with sleep
Stress relief – especially in the fresh air!
Try to add walking more into your daily routine. To track your steps, use a pedometer, you can even get an app for your smart phone. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. It sounds like a massive amount, but once you take the stairs instead of the lift, walk home rather than the bus, walk around the block at lunchtime, you actually hit that number pretty easily. If you get to 8,000 steps later in the afternoon, there is your target for the rest of the day, just 2000 more! Make it a daily challenge to get to your target.
James Dodd
Principal/Functional Osteopath
BSc (Hons) Ost. FAFS GPS
