8 reasons why you should walk

8 reasons why you should walk

An early morning walk can do wonders to your body - mentally as well as physically. If you are not the morning person, walking late evenings is not a bad idea either. You do not have to be the fastest, but ensure you walk to sweat it out and not just for leisure.

Here are 8 reasons why you should consider walking a part of your daily life-cycle:

1. For a strong heart: Walking is a great cardio exercise, it also helps lower levels of bad cholesterol while increasing levels of good cholesterol. Hence, you not only have a healthy heart but also prevent yourself from strokes. According to The Stroke Association, a brisk 30-minute walk every day helps to prevent and control high blood pressure that causes strokes, reducing risk by up to 27 percent.

2. Keep diseases at bay: If you walk regularly, you will see the difference for yourself. A regular habit cuts down the risk of type 2 diabetes by around 60 percent. Further, you are 20 percent less likely to develop cancer of the colon, breast or womb.

3. Keep your weight in check: By walking for 30 minutes, you can burn around 75 calories. The more you increase your speed, the more calories you burn. Thus, for all the sweet cravings and junk food that you intake, a regular walk is a must to keep those pounds in check.

4. Prevent Dementia: People older than 60 are likely to develop dementia, and thus, walking six miles per week can be a grat way to avoid brain shrinkage and preserve memory as the years pass.

5. Tone your body: Walking helps you to tone your body overall. From calves, quads and hamstrings, a good, regular walk with the right posture can help you in attaining the much desired change that you had been wanting in your body.

6. Boost Vitamin D: Walking the perfect way to get an outdoor dose of your much needed vitamin supplement- vitamin D. When you can absorb the natural Vitamin D, why spend on health supplements.

7. Stay energetic: The more you walk, the more energetic you become. A brisk walk daily boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alert and active.

8. Stay happy and healthy: Exercising is the best way to release any negative hormones out of your body. A walk is the most effective antidepressant. It releases feel-good endorphins while reducing stress and anxiety. So for positive mental health, walking is absolutely a necessity.