MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2023 - WALKING IS GOOD FOR YOU

 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 2024 - WALKING IS GOOD FOR YOU

https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/reasons-walking-is-good-for-your-health/

I like to walk.  Okay, I have “bought-in” to the concept of Walking.  I think (believe) that exercise is good for me.  I don’t run, I don’t play tennis, I don’t do aerobics, I don’t ride a bicycle, I don’t swim - so … what is left?  Walking!!!

(I like walking but hate growing older and fatter, so walking is imperative!!! <grin>)

1. WALKING MAY LENGTHEN YOUR LIFE

The article states: “Walking can take you well into your golden years. In a study of more than 2,000 adults, those who hoofed it for at least 7,000 steps per day had a 50 to 70 percent lower risk of dying (from any cause) by the end of the 11-year study period compared with those who took fewer steps, according to research published in JAMA Network Open in 2021. 

“Being active benefits nearly all parts of the body, such as the brain, muscles, bones, cardiovascular system, kidneys, and lungs.,”

Karen adds:  50 to 70 percent lower risk of dying - WOW!!!  It benefits nearly all parts of the body as well!!!

2. WALKING CAN BOOST BONE STRENGTH

“Walking is a weight-bearing exercise (meaning you perform it upright with your bones supporting your weight, so it may help preserve bone health and potentially decrease osteoporosis risk.

Karen’s thoughts:  I was diagnosed with osteopenia last year - kind of like “pre-osteoporosis.”  I’ve been doing physical therapy for balance, flexibility, and strength this year. I’m not sure the physical therapy will reverse the bone weakening, but it should help!!!

3. WALKING GIVES YOUR MOOD A LIFT

When you’re feeling down, head out for a walk. In research, young adults who performed a 10-minute bout of brisk Walking saw their mood rise. 

Getting up and moving helps you shake off feelings of low energy, which can contribute to an overall sense of being down. Earlier research by the same authors, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2017, found that even five minutes of Walking helped improve mood and lower symptoms of depression.

Karen adds:  I know that my mood is more positive when I get a good walk. And, if I listen to great music, I start to conduct!!!  WOOO!! 

4. WALKING IS GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS

If you’re setting out to lose weight, know that you don’t have to participate in a strenuous exercise program (unless, of course, that’s the type of workout you prefer)

In a study of adults whose weights were considered overweight or obese, those who consumed a calorie-reduced diet and walked for 2.5 hours per week for 12 weeks reduced fasting insulin levels and had a more significant fat loss, compared with calorie restriction alone, according to research published in The Journal of Nutrition in 2017.

Karen adds:  I have to fight my weight every day.  Last week was “National Pancake Day,” - and my friend and I went to Denny’s (we have a favorite server there) and, of course, had pancakes, and I can’t have pancakes without oodles of syrup!!.  My friend has been fasting for eight hours and has lost thirty pounds. I haven’t worked too hard at it, but I am down ten pounds. There are days that I fall flat on my big tummy!!!

5. WALKING PROMOTES HEART HEALTH

Walking regularly will work your heart, notably lowering your cholesterol numbers. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, says the CDC, and decreasing total cholesterol numbers by 10 percent can slash your risk of heart disease by nearly one-third. Walking can help you make that happen.

Karen adds:  “Okay, Karen - get going - get off your butt and do more Walking.  What’s more important today, writing your blog or helping you live healthily?”

I’ve tried HIIT and like it (and I need to keep doing it). HIIT is “High-Intensity Interval Training.”  In HIIT, you walk fast for a while and slower for a while and alternate.  At the Georgetown Rec Center, I can walk faster on the straight parts of the track and slower around the curves.  

Walking is a form of self-love.  Walk for your mood, for your heart, for your bones, for your stability, and more!!!.

LOVE WINS
LOVE (and walking) TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, ©, Monday, February 19, 2024