Don’t always have time to make it to the gym for a workout? There’s a much more accessible form of exercise that often gets overlooked because we do it every day, and that is walking! That’s right, setting aside even small increments of time to get on your feet and go for a walk will do wonders for your health.
It’s Easy to Do
Not everyone has time to make it to the gym every day or even do a planned workout at home. Walking is an excellent alternative form of exercise because it’s easy to do, doesn’t demand a lot of time, and you can do it anywhere. You don’t even have to dedicate a long time block for it, as you can talk small walks throughout your day.
Work in a large office? It’s important to stand up from your desk anyways. Take 10 minute walk breaks every hour. Finish your lunch quickly? Go walk a few blocks around the building. Then you can even take a walk when you get home from work. If you have a dog, they’d probably love to join you anyway!
Benefits of Walking for Exercise
Walking is a form of cardio exercise, meaning it strengthens your heart over time (your heart is a muscle after all!), which can lower your resting heart rate and blood pressure. You should try to walk at a pace of about 3 miles per hour, which is considered moderate exercise. Even most fitness wearables will detect this and record it as exercise. If you like gamification of exercise, make it your goal to get 10,000 steps every day.
Another clear benefit of walking is strengthening of your leg muscles, namely your calves and hamstrings. You’ll definitely feel a burn in your legs if you walk fast enough or at steep inclines.
Just by moving, your body burns calories and walking is an easy way to do so. It may not burn as many calories as running or swimming, but some progress is better than no progress. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can try these methods to burn more calories while you walk.
Take in the Sights
Need a break from the chaos of your life? Walking isn’t just good for your body, it’s also great for mental health, too. Taking a stroll outside will allow you to be more mindful in the present. A busy schedule can cause stress, which can have a lot of negative effects on your health, so it’s important to focus your attention elsewhere from time to time. Walking for exercise in Milwaukee? We’ve even mapped out some of our amazing trails and local hotspots for you to see!
What are you waiting for? Lace up those walking shoes and go for a stroll!