It’s Tuesday again (dang, that weekend was short…)!

Now that Spring has sprung (although some of us are still in snowshoes), people want to get OUTSIDE. Go for a walk! Smell the fresh air, enjoy the budding trees and blooming flowers, listen to birdsong… BTW, what the heck is that freaking bird so happy about at 5am??

Walking has MANY benefits. It’s a simple way to work muscle groups AND burn calories. But the benefits add up when you walk more often and gradually increase your pace. Everything below is based on walking 30 minutes a day.

Strengthens the heart and prevents cardiovascular diseases

Walking reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 27%. This exercise is ideal for controlling high blood pressure; it improves circulation, reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), and helps increase good cholesterol (HDL). By increasing your heart rate, daily walks greatly improve your over heart health.

Reduces the risk of certain diseases

Many studies have found that people who walk tend to be less likely to develop type II diabetes, asthma, and cancers of the colon, breast, and uterus.

Helps maintain an ideal weight

Walking helps speed up the metabolism and this in turn helps the body burn fat. The faster the pace you walk, the more calories you will burn. Walking is one of the best exercises for maintaining a healthy weight while also increasing muscle mass and tone.

Prevents osteoporosis

By walking daily, we stimulate and strengthen bones to increase bone density. This healthy form of exercise is especially recommended for women, and it also promotes joint to help prevent problems like arthritis.

Helps tone the legs, buttocks, and abdomen

Walking with good posture helps strengthen the legs, toning and firming the muscles. This helps tone the buttocks, tightening and lifting them. It also burns belly fat and tones the entire abdominal region.

Prevents dementia

Studies have shown that 1 in 14 people over 65 years old, and 1 in 6 over 80, tend to suffer from dementia. By walking briskly every day, you can prevent brain tissue loss and preserve your memory as the years go by. Physical activity stimulates and protects brain tissue, reducing the risk of dementia by up to 40%.

Increases energy levels

When we walk, the whole body is engaged, which increases circulation and the supply of oxygen to every cell in our body. Because of this, this healthy habit can help keep us more active and fight the slumps of energy we sometimes feel at midday or after meals.

Fights depression

Studies have shown that walking is good therapy for depression, and relieving depression-related symptoms. Walking is a good way to get some personal space from a crisis, and also to avoid depression from the beginning.

Prevents obesity and reduces the appearance of cellulite

By kick-starting the metabolism, walking daily helps eliminate toxins and excess fat, thus avoiding obesity. In addition to promoting the burning of fat, walking helps fight fluid retention and stimulates circulation, helping to prevent the formation of cellulite.

Improves sexual activity

As we know, exercise and sexual activity are closely related. A recent study among women aged 45 to 55 years old found that walking every day increased both sexual desire and satisfaction.

BONUS!!!

Want a more intense, comprehensive workout in less time? Walk backwards! Interestingly, when you walk backwards, your heart rate tends to rise higher than it does when walking forward at the same pace, which suggests you can get greater cardiovascular and calorie-burning benefits in a shorter period of time. In my case, my heart rate likely goes up because I’m afraid I’ll fall on my arse!!

What are you waiting for, STalkers? Get moving!