Knowing the benefits of walking, which are linked to physical and mental improvements, is essential to motivate people to practice this activity. Having this knowledge also encourages adherence to physical exercise, as it improves and promotes overall health.

As long as there are no physical disabilities, walking can be done by anyone, regardless of age. Therefore, we will explain why walking is directly linked to well-being and quality of life.

Here, we list some reasons why walking is one of the best options for physical exercise. Check them out!

Promotes mental and physical relaxation

Some people have doubts about when they should walk or what is the best time to walk. Well, this depends on different factors. If you have any physical limitations or have undergone surgery recently, then it is best to talk to your doctor. In such cases, it is necessary to develop a plan monitored by a professional.

In general, walking helps all the organs in your body function properly. This is because , while it activates your metabolism, it also relaxes your mind and body. Find your own pace, your best time of day, and enjoy the benefits of walking. This depends on your individual characteristics and, of course, your level of willingness to exercise .

At first, the advice is to walk at a slower pace, pay attention to your breathing and enjoy the moment. If you have the opportunity to walk in a park, surrounded by nature, the benefits will certainly be even greater. Enjoy the moment, relax and explore contact with nature.

Strengthens muscles, joints and bones

Walking stimulates muscular activity, strengthens bones and joints. This exercise can prevent diseases like osteoporosis, along with other diseases, which usually occur in old age. The walking movements enhance calcium and other mineral absorption, which are essential for bones.

Plus, through this exercise, collagen in cells is activated, which contributes to the maintenance of health. And walking strengthens knee and spinal ligaments and also helps prevent fractures and injuries. During exercise, increased pressure on a skeleton and muscle activity increase tissue activity and make them much more resistant.

Reduces the risk of heart disease

Walking also brings important benefits for the circulatory and respiratory system. In the general sense, walking stimulates the heart to maintain a regular heartbeat . That is why attending the gym or going for a walk daily reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, thrombosis, heart attack, and stroke.

Helps you lose weight

Depending on each person’s metabolic rate, walking can also help prevent fat production in the body. It reduces calorie retention and leads to a reduction in body weight. Thus, it is possible to lose weight and live a better quality of life through a simple activity like walking.

Checks cholesterol and diabetes

Like brisk exercise , walking burns the excess fat in the body. This activity is also used to regulate cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Maintaining these levels in normal ranges is a very important factor for preventing heart diseases, especially against atherosclerosis, which is said to have clogged arteries that might jeopardize your health.

There is also a strong connection between walking and diabetes prevention. When the body exercises, it increases production of insulin , an essential hormone for glucose balance; that is, blood sugar, which is taken into the cells when the body is moving around, thus unable to settle in the blood.

Preserves brain functions

Walking regularly strengthens the brain. This happens because, during muscle movement and blood vessel activation, brain cells receive more oxygen. When they are well oxygenated, they perform their functions better.

Just like walking, other forms of exercise also contribute to longevity. While not only combating the lifestyle associated with sedentism, physical activities will help promote cognitive functions, particularly in the elderly. Moreover, there is a higher chance of not acquiring typical diseases of aging such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

With every exercise, you produce the hormone called irisin . This substance enhances your memory and cognitive ability, even in Alzheimer’s patients. So, it is one more reason for reorganizing your schedule and dedicating some moments every day for exercises.

Reduces anxiety and depression

Exercising regularly or taking a few minutes to walk also promotes the release of so-called feel-good substances: endorphins and serotonin. These elements are essential for relieving stress and positively acting on negative feelings linked to anxiety and depression.

Improves sleep quality

One of the greatest benefits of playing sports, such as beach tennis, and exercising is combating insomnia. During muscle and bone movement, important hormones, especially melatonin, are produced. Therefore, sports activities and regular walking are excellent alternatives to promote improved sleep quality and overall health.

Promotes mental well-being

As you may have noticed, several hormones are released while walking, which can provide a feeling of joy, contentment and a zest for life. This gives the person a feeling of mental lightness, restoring their energy and disposition. However, to enjoy these benefits, walking needs to be an integral part of your routine.

Therefore, it is not enough to just know the benefits of walking, but to include this activity in your schedule. To do this, try to set daily, weekly or monthly goals. To start, you can use strategies such as inviting friends through social media and creating walking groups. Over time, this practice will become a healthy and enjoyable habit.