It’s Coronavirus time, and we all have been working from home, right! Due to the extension of lockdown, many of us have put on a lot of weight. Don’t you agree? If you say no, then you better check your pressure and also, your mirror. Well, your mirror knows better! But did you know that a simple activity like walking for 15-20 minutes can help you get into shape? Who doesn’t want to look smart and feel active throughout the day?
Many people regularly hit the gym to stay in shape. But it’s not possible now due to the lockdown. So what else could be better other than walking! Walking is the simplest and the best exercise anyone can ever do. Brisk walking not only builds your stamina but also burns those extra calories and makes your heart function in a healthy way. There are a lot of benefits that this simple exercise can provide you with. Let’s have a look at them!
1. Helps to improve digestion
Walking helps you to burn calories and lose weight. Thirty minutes of brisk walking is more than enough to lose weight and stay fit and healthy. It is not necessary to make changes in your daily routine and take out some time for this enjoyable exercise. If you’ve got time in your hand, then it is excellent. But if you are leading a busy life and have no time to workout, later try to make little changes in your life like covering small distances by walking rather than seeking transport, using stairs instead of elevators and walk wherever possible.
People who set targets of reaching their desirable weight can challenge themselves by walking uphill or increasing the distance of walking daily. It will help them to lose weight and achieve their targets in a short period.
2. Boosts immunity
Walking daily boosts your immune system and reduces the chances of getting cold or flu. It also prevents upper respiratory tract infections and enables your respiratory system to function healthily. Walking is very beneficial, especially during winters, as we tend to get cold during that period of the year. So, you can try brisk walking, or even walk on a treadmill for a good 60 minutes is enough to boost your immunity.
3. Keeps your heart healthy
Sedentary individuals are more prone to cardiovascular diseases and sudden strokes by reducing the level of LDL cholesterol. One easy and best solution to keep these problems at bay is walking. Walking for at least 2 to 3 hours a day is sufficient to keep your heart healthy.
4. Helps to improve blood circulation
Walking helps to improve your blood circulation, thereby supplying sufficient amounts of oxygen and glucose to your brain and thus enabling it to function efficiently. So, walking can make you active and increase your concentration level to a great extent.
5. Keeps your lungs healthy
Walking can improve your lung capacity and stamina as the rate of exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is quite high while walking when compared to being in a stationary position. This high rate of exchange boosts your stamina and enables you to perform any activity with efficiency and for a more extended time without getting tired. It also improves the overall functioning of your respiratory tract.
6. Strengthens bones and muscles
Aging causes your bones to become weak. As your bone density reduces, you get prone to injuries, fractures, and osteoporosis. Bones determine our whole body framework, and so it is essential to keep our bones healthy to improve balance, posture, and stamina.
Walking regularly can reduce all these problems and helps to make your bones stronger. Walking also reduces the pain in the joints, primarily due to arthritis. As you age, you can also experience loss of muscles. Walking for about 2 hours daily can help you in toning your muscles and achieve a better physique.
7. Reduces stress and uplifts your mood
In today’s world of technology, we all are so engrossed in our phones, laptops, and computers, which eventually leads to making our brains tired and inactive. Also, too much of work pressure causes stress and anxiety. Well, take out some time for yourself and go for a long walk either in the morning under the sunshine or in the evening time.
Walking is good as it improves our blood circulation and stimulates our nervous system, thus decreasing the production of stress hormones. The fresh air which we inhale and exhale during walking makes our brain active, reduces tension, and improves our mood.
8. Helps to improve digestion
Junk food and improper timings of consuming food can cause problems like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It can even lead to serious health issues like colon cancer. So, it is essential to eat healthily and drink a lot of water. Along with healthy eating habits, you should also make a habit of walking as it is beneficial for improving digestion and maintain a healthy gut. It also improves your bowel movement.
So, aren’t these benefits amazing? Walking can help you lose all those extra pounds you’ve gained during the lockdown period. Just make sure you walk as much as you can, at least for 15-20 minutes every single day. If you don’t have a park near your house, don’t worry! You can always walk inside your home instead of settling down at one corner. Get started then!