A Proper Walk Works Wonders

Credit: Unsplash
It’s a simple thing, but it does so much.

When was the last time you stood up and walked around? Outside your house, I mean? Like, obviously you stood up and walked around to get out of bed and make breakfast this morning, but when was the last time you took an extended walk around the neighborhood? Just a walk for its own sake? I know, it’s hard to find the time and the location for a simple walk, but if you can find the time to walk at least a mile every day, your body will improve in ways you might not expect.

The first and most expected improvement is leg health. You walk, you work your leg muscles, they get bigger and stronger. That one’s not rocket science. Though, remember that your legs aren’t the only things they get worked when you walk; you also get some work in on your core muscles, and even a little bit on your arms if you pump them.

So what else is there besides muscles? Well, how about your bones? While your bones don’t grow in the same way your muscles do exactly, regularly working them does help to reinforce them. Stimulating your bone tissue keeps it healthy, and also helps to prevent bone density loss in older age.

Credit: Unsplash

Walking is also great for your heart and lungs. Remember, both of those organs are technically muscles, just like the fibers that make up your legs, so if you exercise them, they get stronger. Stronger, healthier hearts and lungs are more resistant to damage, and have an easier time pumping large quantities of blood throughout the body, which keeps you active and alert throughout the day.

Besides all that, though, making time for a daily walk is just a good habit to get into. Discipline and routine are major components in starting healthy habits, so once you’ve already got one on the board, more come easier.