Walking is an easy, inexpensive, accessible form of exercise which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. We know that just being outdoors has mental and physical health benefits. Lucy Gornall and Eleanor Vousden have highlighted a few good reasons to get up, put on those boots and get walking.
- It can reduce food cravings. Researchers at Exeter University found that after a short walk, people were 50% less likely to choose high calorie snacks.
- It helps regulate hormones and reduce cancer risk. Research by the American Cancer Society found that, for post menopausal women, walking an hour a day helped to regulate hormones that can encourage breast tumours, cutting the risk by 14%.
- It increases bone strength. Even walking one mile a day can increase bone density in post menopausal women.
- IT BURNS AS MUCH FAT AS RUNNING! Yes, it’s true. Your body is more likely to burn stored fat during low intensity exercise than it does during high intensity exercise like running.
- It helps fight major diseases. Walking just 10 minutes a day can reduce your risk of an early death by 15%, according to US research. 30 minutes a day of walking can help prevent or manage high blood pressure.
- It can boost your mood. In one study, people with depression were asked to walk for 30 minutes 3 times a week for 16 weeks. The participants reported mood boosting effects similar to those of antidepressants.
Are you convinced? Keep your eye out for my blog with top tips for walking injury free.
