Walking and Its Benefits

Walking and Its Benefits | Since I will only be joining the gym in the middle of July (hopefully), until then, I will be walking at Taman Tasik Cempaka and Putrajaya (among other places). And I will try to do it daily (after work during weekdays and early mornings during the weekend.

As I have mentioned in a post earlier (Should I Stretch Before Walking?), walking is an underrated exercise. And I've set my smartwatch to 10,000 steps daily that I have to complete - which I've neglected during the 3-month MCO hahaha. 

So, why walk? Here are some reasons why walking is great (Thanks MyFitnessPal Blog).

1. It gets me moving. According to the article in MyFitnessPal blog, sitting for long periods of time increases the likelihood of illness and even early death. Walking can counteract the negative effects of sitting, even just 10 minutes a day can get the blood flowing for positive health effects.
2. A great way to lose weight. So far, I noticed that I will burn around 200 - 230 calories by just walking for 30 - 40 minutes. And yes, I do lose some weight, albeit a bit slow - but who's complaining? Every single gram is a joy to lose. Haha.
3. It's easy on joints. I have been having some issues with my knees, after a sudden and rigorous activity that I joined last year. Thus, I chose to walk more now as walking is low-impact and with minimal risk of injury. 
4. It helps to stay healthy as one age. It is said that a daily walk helps to ward off some health issues such as dementia, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and breast cancer. And I'm in my 40s now. So, keep it moving! Haha.
5. Walking improves my mood. I will be coming home happier after each walk. 
6. Walking is easy to progress. I remembered when I first started, I only managed to walk 3 km in 50 minutes. Now, I managed to walk for 5 km in 55 minutes. Next, I will be carrying some light weights while walking, in my bit to build some muscle hahaha. 
7. It is cheap. All I need a pair of good walking shoes. 
8. I get my required dose of Vitamin D. As Vit D promotes a strong immune system and essential for gut and bone health, I get my dose of Vit D for free, daily now.
9. I get to enjoy nature. I change my walking scenery on the weekend - so I get to enjoy a different nature during my walks. And I enjoy my walk more when I walk paths that are away from vehicle traffic and closer to the greens. More greenery has been linked to lower anxiety levels and a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.
10. Walking makes me sleep better. I noticed that I have been sleeping better and more relaxed after I started walking now. Now I wake up brighter and fresher - ready to face the day with so much positivity.
11. Walking supports brain health and aids the immune system. Walking increases blood flow to the brain, which lessens the risk of cognitive illness such as Alzheimer's and supports overall brain health. And some research shows that brisk walking increases white blood cell count which is important in fighting off infections. 
12. Walking improves balance. A daily walk helps to keep glutes, hips, quadriceps, and hamstrings strong and improves balance, thus making a fall less likely.

Let us all start walking guys. But remember, practice social distancing ok. And those with kids, please watch your kids closely. I've watched some parents who were so into their mobile phones that they just let their kids run around. What if some accidents were to happen? Or someone took your kids?

Be safe guys.

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