Movement is not only beneficial but essential for proper recovery, once it’s done in the correct manner. Walking is probably the easiest form of movement we can do.
In This Article:
Exercise Doesn’t Have To Hurt
I’m lazy. Can’t be bothered going to the gym. Actually, I don’t like the gym. All the “cool gym gear”, gym talk, reps, cheap reps, bulking up, core, squats, spot me, cardio, bloody planks – I hate it all.
That’s why I newly converted to walking, and here’s why:
- Walking is free. It costs you nothing
- You don’t need weights
- No wheels needed either
- You definitely don’t need a gym
- No expensive pool needed
- Pretty much all you need is your feet (and some trainers)
- You carry your own body weight when you walk, so it even qualifies as a weight-bearing exercise
Contains A Knee Brace
Benefits Of Walking:
- Increased cardiovascular (heart and lung) fitness
- Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
- Improved management of conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
- Reduction of joint and muscular pain or stiffness, stronger bones and improved balance and posture
- Increased muscle strength and endurance
- Reduced body fat
- Huge psychological benefits
Walking is good for your head too! “The Top 6 Inches”
This was a term I often heard but never truly understood until I started regularly walking. It clears the mind. It gives you some time to think and organise. This I find is a great way to relax, and sets me up for the day, week or months ahead. It’s fantastic all whilst getting huge physical benefits.
Put the headphones on and off you go. 30 min,1 hour , 2hours. Who cares. Get going. It’s amazing how quick your walking fitness comes back.
The impact of walking on your body is low – and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment either. If you haven’t exercised in a long time and are looking to get back into it (especially if you’re overweight) you should always start with walking. Don’t just launch yourself into a 5k running routine, just because you could do it 5 years ago – that’s a recipe for injury!
There are social benefits to walking too – if it’s with your dog, or calling into a neighbour – these can’t be underestimated. Even if you just walk the same short route every day, people will get used to seeing you, and you can give them “the nod”.
