Why Do Doctors Recommend Walking Every Day?
Walking is a free, easy, and accessible form of exercise that has many health benefits. Your doctor understands that not everyone has access to extensive and complex workout equipment, and not everyone can afford a gym membership. Doctors, however, do not want a lack of financial or physical access to prevent you from reaping the benefits of being active. Even if you cannot afford a gym membership or hate running, you can still benefit from incorporating more walking into your daily routine.
4 Great Benefits from a Daily Walk
Physical activity does not need to be rigorous or expensive to be effective. Walking is a low-impact activity that does not require any equipment, can be done at any time, and can be accomplished at your own pace. Making time for a short walk every day can significantly improve your physical and mental health. The following are four great benefits you can gain from a daily walk:
A Daily Walk Has Significant Health Benefits
When you walk, your body is carrying your weight. Walking is known as a weight-bearing exercise. This form of exercise can have the following benefits:
- Increase cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help strengthen bones and improve balance
- Increase muscle strength and endurance
- Reduce body fat
A daily walk can also help with certain health conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Additionally, walking can help relieve joint and muscle pain.
Walking Can Reduce Stress and Increase Self-Esteem
Going for a walk after a stressful day or situation can help you collect your thoughts and manage your emotions. Walking increases your heart rate and decreases your stress levels. Reducing your stress with a walk can have the added benefit of reducing the chance of developing other conditions, such as broken heart syndrome, stroke, or cardiomyopathy.
Taking Regular Walks Helps Improve Sleep
Regular walkers have fewer heart attacks, fewer strokes, lower blood pressure, and higher levels of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). These benefits improve your immune system and your quality of sleep, thus keeping you energized when you are awake.
A Quick, Fifteen-Minute Walk Can Reduce Cravings
We often crave foods and snacks that are not necessarily healthy for us. Walking for just fifteen minutes can help lessen cravings, which ultimately helps people lose weight. By taking a quick walk, you can increase your heart rate and metabolism, which decreases cravings for sugary snacks. People who take regular walks often find their snack intake cut in half.
Find Spinal Pain Relief at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery
At Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery (OLSS), we understand that medical needs are different for each patient; therefore, we pride ourselves on our patient-centered approach. Our doctors take the time to understand each condition before recommending the best possible treatment plan. We build your treatment around you and your needs.
Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives the very best orthopedics and laser surgery treatments. Working with our OLSS doctors means you will work with experts who are committed to supporting you and your recovery. For more information, you can contact us by calling (855) 853-6542 or filling out our contact form.