It is time to get walking for National Walking Month! You may not realize it, but May is National Walking Month and now the evenings are lighter for longer, this makes it the perfect time to get outside, and get walking. Walking has a whole host of different health benefits that you can use to motivate you to introduce walking into your daily lives.
Walking is good for your heart.
Your heart is responsible for pumping the oxygen and blood around your body and keeping all the other organs working. So, we think you will agree that it is important to keep it in tip-top condition! Walking not only strengthens your heart but reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. In fact, a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day is said to reduce your risk of a stroke by 27%. If this was not enough, it also reduces bad levels of cholesterol and increases the levels of good cholesterol too!
Walking helps you to lose weight.
If you are new to exercise or trying to lose weight gradually to keep it off, then walking is a great form of exercise for you. If you walk at around 2mph for 30 minutes then you will burn around seventy-five calories, and if you increase this to 4mph this will rise to around 150 calories. 20 minutes of walking a day will burn an incredible 7lbs of body fat a year.
You can lower your risk of dementia.
An older person who walks six or more miles a week is less likely to have problems such as dementia. This is because walking has been proven to prevent your brain from shrinking.
Walking gives you energy.
There are times when you feel more lethargic than others, and if you find yourself in this zone then a walk could do you good. It boosts your circulation and increases the oxygen supply around your body, which in turn will keep you feeling alert and awake.
It is a full body workout.
Many muscles in your body are activated during walking including the calves, glutes, hamstrings, quads, and abdominals, so give it a try and give your legs, bums and tum a workout.
Walking makes you happy.
In the same way, walking can help you feel energized, it is also great for making you feel happy. A brisk walk can be just as beneficial as taking an antidepressant and can be a great helping hand if you are suffering from depression, anxiety or feeling stressed. These are just some of the reasons why you should try to work more walking in your daily routine. Whether you walk at lunchtime or start your day with a walk, why not try it and feel the benefits for yourself.
At Glen Oaks Community, we have outdoor walking paths, treadmills as well as indoor walking paths. We also have Therapy on-site and a wellness manager that can help you with your walking routine and keep you motivated. Why not schedule a tour today to see if Glen Oaks might be your next new home. Call Kim to schedule a tour at 641-355-1203!