by Gemma Delaney

A vibrant photo of a group of diverse women energetically marching in a lush green park, surrounded by nature.

Simple, affordable, and suitable for any lifestyle, walking is a nature-made exercise brimming with myriad health benefits. And the best part? It’s free! From aiding weight management to lightening up your mood, this decades-old yet scientifically-approved workout can be your secret wellness weapon. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through a leafy park or making your way to work, walking can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of your daily routine. Pedestrian-friendly and adaptable, this versatile exercise welcomes individuals of all ages, shapes, and fitness levels.
Delving deeper into the wonderful world of walking reveals an abundance of health benefits. In an era of high-intensity workouts and costly gym memberships, walking stands out as a soothing and sustainable exercise suitable for a lifetime.

Five Reasons to Take Walking More Seriously

1. Walking and Weight Management: Walking is a gentle and effective way to control your weight and tone your body. Notably, it engages the same muscle groups as running, but ensures less strain on your joints.
2. Walking Rewrites Your Calorie Calculations: A study by the University of Virginia concluded that faster walkers witnessed more benefits than their slower counterparts, despite burning the same number of calories per workout.
3. The Healer’s Walk: Walking has been termed a ‘magic bullet’ in modern medicine. It’s linked to the prevention and cure of serious health conditions, from heart disease to sleep issues and even reducing cigarette cravings.
4. Walking for Stroke Prevention: A steady, two-hour-long walking routine each week could lower your risk of stroke by up to 30 percent, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
5. Walking Against Diabetes: Walking can significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as well. If you’re already diagnosed with diabetes, walking more often reduces your dependence on anti-diabetic drugs.

How to Optimize Your Walking Workout

To yield the best results from walking, focus on your walking pace. Aim for a faster, cardiovascular-boosting pace — the kind that would find you slightly short of breath, activating your ‘afterburn.’ Remember: the more you work, the better the results.
When it comes to distance, aim for more than 10,000 steps. Achieve this by incorporating longer walks and bursts of speed during your routine. Varying terrains can challenge and improve your fitness as well — hills increase your heart rate, while softer surfaces like grassy parks require more energy.

Six Technique Tips to Keep in Mind

It’s vital to pay attention to your walking form, too. Proper technique can help prevent injuries, improve your fitness, and make your walks more enjoyable. From maintaining a long neck and slightly contracted abs to shorter strides and arm pendulating, those simple adjustments will help you reap the benefits of walking.
Walking is a diverse and dynamic form of exercise that offers you the flexibility, affordability, and health advantages you might have been searching for Give it a try and let us at Wellspring24 know how it’s impacted your wellness journey