A World Health Organization (WHO) study found that more than 80% of school-going adolescents globally did not meet current recommendations of at least one hour of physical activity per day.
Insufficient physical activity can compromise current and future health, but don't fret! There are many ways to fit in more exercise into your daily life, and one of the easiest ways is simply to take a walk.
Though it is often overlooked as a form of exercise, walking is in fact an extremely effective physical activity. Here are some of its amazing benefits:
Just 30 minutes of walking a day can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by 35% and Type 2 diabetes by 40%.
It also maintains your bone density, reducing the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis as you grow older.
Unlike other high-impact exercises, walking can be done for long periods of time with low risk of injury, allowing you to reap the benefits of a longer workout.
If you are recovering from other strenuous activities or dealing with pain or injury, walking also makes for a great choice of low-impact cardio exercise.
Walking is free-of-charge and easy to do. Head outdoors to enjoy a brisk walk around the neighbourhood, or take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery at the many parks and park connectors all around Singapore!
Walking is a great tool for weight management. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking can burn up to 200 calories.
This makes it an easy method to control body weight and reduce body fat, which in turn keeps you healthy and can boost your self-confidence too.
Walking improves your blood circulation, helping your body deliver oxygen and nutrients to all the cells in your body.
This contributes to healthier skin and hair, improves digestion, staves off feelings of fatigue and helps wounds heal faster too!
Beyond its many physical benefits, walking is also amazing for mental wellbeing.
It can help ease feelings of anxiety, as well as stimulate the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. This means walking can help you feel happier almost immediately!
It also reinforces a positive mindset as you know that you are doing something good for yourself, working towards your personal goals and bettering your health.
As with all forms of exercise, the most important thing is consistency. So, if you can't carve out the time for a long walk, try breaking that up into shorter walks over the course of your day to reap the same benefits.
Don't miss the Sentosa walking event [event name TBA] happening this July!
Visit myactivesg.com for more info.
References: