It is imperative to acknowledge that walking, despite being the simplest and most easily accessible form of exercise, is frequently disregarded in favour of more rigorous or glamorous workout routines.
Nonetheless, engaging in regular walking can immensely benefit both one’s physical and mental health, and thus, is an excellent way to enhance overall well-being.Most notably, walking has a significant advantage in enhancing cardiovascular health.
Are you aware that simply walking can significantly reduce your chances of developing dementia, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even experiencing premature death?
Yes, that’s right! By maintaining a certain frequency, taking a specified number of steps, and keeping up with a particular pace, you can reap these amazing health benefits.
What’s more, two recent studies conducted in September have delved deeper into the connection between daily step count, the intensity of steps, and increased health benefits.
Well, whether you’re already committed to a daily walk or looking to start one, you’re in luck. Here’s what you need to know to optimise your routine and take your health to the next level.
You can read the studies here…. Prospective Associations of Daily Step Counts and Intensity With Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and Mortality and All-Cause Mortality | Cancer Screening, Prevention, Control | JAMA Internal Medicine | JAMA Network
Walking at a moderate pace can help to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve circulation throughout the body. Additionally, walking can help to strengthen the muscles and joints, which can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Walking is also a great way to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Depending on your pace and the terrain, walking can burn up to 200-300 calories per hour.
Regular walking can help to increase metabolism, build muscle mass, and reduce body fat, which can lead to better overall health and a lower risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
There is no denying that walking is a simple yet effective way to improve both physical and mental health. Recent research indicates that incorporating walking into your daily routine can prove to be highly beneficial for your overall well-being.
It has been observed that consistent walking can significantly reduce stress levels, uplift your mood, and even enhance cognitive function. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you make walking a part of your daily routine to enjoy a healthier and happier life.
Walking outdoors in nature can be particularly beneficial, as exposure to green spaces has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Another advantage of walking is that it is easy to incorporate into daily life. Walking can be done almost anywhere and at any time and requires no special equipment or skills.
It can also be adapted to suit individual fitness levels and preferences, whether that means walking alone or with a group, indoors or outdoors, or at a fast or leisurely pace.
For those looking to incorporate more walking into their daily routine, there are a variety of strategies to try.
One popular approach is to aim for 10,000 steps per day, which can be tracked using a pedometer or fitness tracker, but depending on your level of fitness and health, any walking will be beneficial.
Another option is to incorporate walking into daily activities, such as walking to work or the shops instead of driving, or taking a walk during a lunch break or after dinner.
With the ever-increasing sedentary lifestyle, it’s imperative to take charge of your health. Regular walking is an easy and accessible form of exercise that can help prevent several health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and anxiety.
If you’re serious about taking care of your mind and body, it’s time to prioritise walking in your fitness routine. Don’t wait any longer, put on your shoes, and start walking today. Your health and well-being depend on it.
Now that we have explored the benefits of walking, I would like to share with you a deeply personal experience, that happened a few years ago, when I was enjoying an evening at home with my wife Debbie, watching TV.
Little did I know that this normal day would lead to a life-changing experience. I have no recollection of what happened next, but according to Debbie, it was quite an eventful moment. As I rested my feet on the coffee table, they slipped off, and I fell unconscious and was making strange movements, causing Debbie to panic and shake me.
As I regained consciousness, I found myself in a state of shock. It took me a moment to realise what had happened, and when Debbie filled me in on the details, I was left completely dazed.
It’s mind-boggling how the universe works sometimes. But luck was on my side, as the Health Clinic where I worked was owned by a prestigious Belgian doctor, and another seasoned doctor happened to be present.
Debbie contacted them immediately, and they rushed to my aid without any hesitation, and suggested I go to the hospital. I was a bit worried, but what happened next was nothing short of incredible!
The Spanish healthcare system amazed me with its efficiency. They conducted a thorough checkup, including blood tests, brain scans, heart checks, and everything else, all within an hour!
Thankfully, there was no serious damage, but it turned out that my cholesterol levels were alarmingly high, which had led to a TIA. (A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or “mini stroke” is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.
The disruption in blood supply results in a lack of oxygen to the brain) The next 3 months were difficult for me as I had chronic fatigue and my memory was poor, but I just battled on, I went back to work and concentrated on getting better.
This incident was a wake-up call for me, and I decided to embark on a journey towards fitness and healthy eating.
I made several lifestyle changes, and guess what? Just after 3 months, my cholesterol was back to normal! It was an incredible journey, and I was lucky it wasn’t more serious!
LETS WALK!
Walking is an excellent way to get some exercise, clear your mind, and explore your surroundings.
However, it can become dull and uninteresting if you follow the same route every day.
Fortunately, there are plenty of fun walking ideas that can spice up your routine and make your walks more enjoyable. In this article, we will explore some fun walking ideas to help you get moving and have a good time.
FUN WALKING IDEAS
- Take a photo walk
If you enjoy photography, a photo walk can be a great way to get some exercise and capture some stunning shots. Plan your route to include interesting landmarks or scenic views and take your camera along to snap some photos. You could even make it a challenge to find and photograph specific things, such as different colours, textures, or patterns.
- Go on a scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt is a fun way to add some excitement to your walk. Create a list of items to find along the way, such as specific plants, animals, or landmarks. You could even turn it into a competition with friends or family members.
- Try geocaching
Geocaching is a popular activity that involves using a GPS-enabled device to find hidden containers or “caches” at specific locations. It’s a fun way to explore new areas and discover hidden gems. You can find geocaching locations and clues on various websites and apps such as Geocaching
- Join a walking group
If you prefer to walk with others, joining a walking group can be an excellent way to meet new people and stay motivated. Look for local walking groups in your area, or start your own group and invite friends, family members, or coworkers to join.
- Walk for a cause
Participating in a charity walk or fundraiser can be a rewarding way to get some exercise and support a good cause. Look for local walks or runs that benefit a cause you care about, such as cancer research or animal welfare.
- Listen to a podcast or audiobook
If you find walking alone boring, listening to a podcast or audiobook can be an excellent way to pass the time and learn something new. Look for podcasts or audiobooks that interest you and make your walks more enjoyable.
- Take a themed walk
Choose a theme for your walk, such as a historical tour, a food tour, or a nature walk. Plan your route to include landmarks or locations related to your theme, and learn more about the history or significance of each location along the way.
- Create an outdoor workout circuit
Design a workout circuit that includes various exercises, such as lunges, squats, and push-ups, and place them at different locations along your walking route. This can be a fun way to get a full-body workout while also enjoying the outdoors.
- Walk at night
Walking at night can be a different and exciting experience, especially if you live in a well-lit area. Make sure to wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or headlamp to stay safe.
- Take a mindfulness walk
Practice mindfulness on your walk by paying attention to your surroundings, breathing deeply, and focusing on the present moment. This can be an excellent way to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
- Plan a walking picnic
Pack a lunch or snack and plan a walking picnic in a nearby park or nature reserve. This can be a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and have a relaxing meal.
- Walk barefoot on the beach or in a park
Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on a sandy beach or grassy park. This can be a fun way to connect with nature and feel the different textures beneath your feet.
- Walk an outdoor maze
Mazes are for people of all ages! Not only are they a fun-filled activity, but they can also work wonders for your cognitive abilities. Think of them as a secret weapon for your brain!
As you solve them, you’re engaging your mind in a great workout. By deciphering the twists and turns of these intriguing puzzles, you’re giving your brain a much-needed exercise that can help enhance your thinking, reasoning, and recall abilities.
With every successful maze completion, you’re bound to feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Plus, let’s not forget the added benefit of all that walking – what a fantastic workout in itself! So, get ready to get lost (and found!) in the wonders of maze-solving!
In conclusion, walking doesn’t have to be a dull and repetitive activity. With these fun walking ideas, you can add some variety and excitement to your routine, making your walks more enjoyable and rewarding.
Whether you choose to take a photo walk, join a walking group, or participate in a charity walk, there are plenty of ways to make your walks more fun and engaging, so what’s stopping you? Get out there and enjoy some fun walking!