Benefits of walking

As humans, we were made to walk. Unlike running, a lot less pressure is placed on our joints when we walk. When we run, our knees, hips and ankles are pounding the pavement, yet when we walk, the impact is far less, helping to reduce our chance of injury.

As humans, we were made to walk. Unlike running, a lot less pressure is placed on our joints when we walk. When we run, our knees, hips and ankles are pounding the pavement, yet when we walk, the impact is far less, helping to reduce our chance of injury.

Walking can also help improve our fitness levels, and can boost our heart health as it improves circulation and lessens our chances of high blood pressure. Plus, going for a walk increases the amount of oxygen that flows around our body, helping to boost energy.

Then there’s the mind benefits of walking. A recent study actually showed that the more steps people took each day, the happier they were. So if you’re having a dull day, getting outside for a walk could be one of the best things to do! You might just think of walking as a way to get from A to B or perhaps it’s something you enjoy doing with friends. Whilst both of these are great, you can ramp up the intensity of your walk, and subsequently burn more kilojoules, with some easy tweaks. Added to this, walking also helps strengthen your lower body, especially if you add in an incline.

If you can find a hilly walking route, you’re guaranteed a tougher workout, as a level of incline adds a greater resistance to your walk. Forcing your legs to work a little harder helps strengthen your muscles, and increases your heart rate, in turn burning more Kilojoules.

Now the weather is a bit cooler its a great time to get out and explore some of the amazing walking trails in our area.