It’s National Walking Day—the ideal time to incorporate walking into your lifestyle. If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain results, walking is the perfect way to ramp up your physical activity levels and boost your dietary efforts. Members of our weight loss clinic have experienced excellent results by implementing a weight loss program—read on to find out why.
1. The health benefits. A regular walking program yields a wide range of benefits that improve your overall health and fitness levels. Walking helps fight and prevent many health conditions and diseases, including obesity, back pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and even various forms of cancer, such as breast and colon. It strengthens your muscles and bones, and helps prevent osteoporosis.
2. The weight loss benefits. Walking helps you metabolize calories and modestly burns fat. Research shows that it improves blood sugar levels and glycemic control, especially after meals. Walking also promotes healthy triglyceride levels and improves digestion after meals—one of the best things you can do is go for a walk after eating. Even 10 minutes of brisk walking after a meal can impact your waistline and overall health.
3. Stress reduction. Walking can help reduce stress and elevate your mood—and when you do it in a natural setting, such as a park, beach or trail, it will definitely lower your cortisol levels even more.
4. It’s easy. There’s a reason that walking has the lowest drop-off rate of any physical activity—it’s easy to do! The only equipment you need to get started are supportive shoes and comfortable clothes. You can do it anywhere and it’s free. It’s also a great way to catch up with friends and help each other stay motivated.
5. It’s low impact. Walking is gentle, which means almost anyone can do it. It’s easy on your joints and muscles, and therefore, provides a lower risk for injury, making it an excellent option for those suffering from debilitating diseases such as arthritis. Walking also improves balance and coordination, which is helpful for those recovering from an injury.
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