Embrace the Hot Girl Walk: 7 Reasons to Walk Every Day

Getting back to school definitely means more walking – whether you’re finding your way around campus, accompanying your littles to class, or strolling through the park with fellow moms and dads coming out of hot-weather hibernation.

 

Walking is the universal mode of transportation. It’s what we rely on, and it’s SO good for us!

 

According to experts:

 

• 10,000 steps a day helps with cardio fitness and heart disease prevention.

 

• 15,000 steps daily helps with weight loss.

Whether you have a 10K step goal per day or just freestyle your walking, the “original exercise” wins for being easy, effective and completely free!

 

 

7 WAYS WALKING BOOSTS YOUR HEALTH

 

Circulation

 

Walking gets your heart pumping, improving blood flow throughout the body – from your brain to your toes. This helps get vital oxygen to all the cells and carry away waste.

 

Weight Management

 

When you’re moving, you’re burning calories. A 150-lb. person walking at just 2.5 miles per hour will burn about 100 calories per mile. Plus, it might inspire healthier food choices.

 

Mood

 

Walking can trigger feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. It can also help those dealing with anxiety or panic attacks. Find a walking buddy and double the positive vibes!

 

Metabolism

 

Exercise helps increase lean muscle mass, which boosts the rate at which your body burns calories for energy. A brisk walk in the morning can rev up your metabolic rate for several hours, helping you get the most from your food and slow weight gain.

 

Joints

 

Walking aids joint strength and flexibility because it helps keep muscles and tendons strong and fresh. It supports healthy hips, ankles, knees, feet…even shoulders and elbows!

 

→ Walking shouldn’t cause pain. If it does, you may need new, more supportive shoes. If you experience acute pain, stop walking, ice your soreness and consider seeing a doctor.

 

Brain Health

 

Walking in nature boosts cerebral blood flow, increases endorphin levels and helps you karate-chop stress. Head to the nearest green space and let your mind wander!

 

Digestion

 

Moving after meals can aid digestion and reduce issues like bloating. Just wait 10-15 minutes after eating before you stroll.

 

Do yourself a favor: whether you’re counting steps or not, take the stairs, park the car a little farther away, and embrace all the good walking can do.

 

 

RESOURCES

• https://parade.com/1243818/kimberlyzapata/how-many-steps-a-day-for-weight-loss/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CTaking%2010%2C000%20steps%20a%20day,few%20pounds%20for%20weight%20loss.

 

• https://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/a41048373/calories-burned-walking/

 

• https://www.apa.org/topics/exercise-fitness/stress#:~:text=One%20theory%20is%20that%20physical,with%20anxiety%20and%20panic%20attacks.

 

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469#:~:text=Exercise%20increases%20your%20overall%20health,%2Dgood%20neurotransmitters%2C%20called%20endorphins.