I found this fantastic list of reasons for walking (and other forms of aerobic activity). You can read the entire article, and other good ones too, at the Mayo Clinic Site where the list below originated. I'm not a physician - but they are! And scientists too. The Mayo is a fantastic facility. Because of my job, I've been fortunate to have seen the kind of extremely detailed work up they do of each patient they see. Every patient is seen by a wide variety of specialists - from neurosurgeons to nutritionists, from social workers to specialists in every medical field.
Lucky for us, for free, we get the benefit of the combined wisdom of all those specialty practitioners wrapped up in the following list. Read it and you'll know many of the reasons walking is good for you. However, I still maintain that the main reason to walk every day is that it makes you feel good. What could be better than that (with all the added physical benefits)?
Combined with a healthy diet, aerobic exercise helps you lose weight — and keep it off.
Aerobic exercise may make you tired in the short term. But over the long term, you'll enjoy increased stamina and reduced fatigue.
Aerobic exercise activates your immune system. This leaves you less susceptible to minor viral illnesses, such as colds and flu.
Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of many conditions, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. Weight-bearing aerobic exercises, such as walking, reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Aerobic exercise helps lower high blood pressure and control blood sugar. If you've had a heart attack, aerobic exercise helps prevent subsequent attacks.
A stronger heart doesn't need to beat as fast. A stronger heart also pumps blood more efficiently, which improves blood flow to all parts of your body.
Aerobic exercise boosts your high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol and lowers your low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. The potential result? Less buildup of plaques in your arteries.
Aerobic exercise can ease the gloominess of depression, reduce the tension associated with anxiety and promote relaxation.
Aerobic exercise keeps your muscles strong, which can help you maintain mobility as you get older. Aerobic exercise also keeps your mind sharp. At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three days a week seems to reduce cognitive decline in older adults.
Studies show that people who participate in regular aerobic exercise live longer than those who don't exercise regularly.
Take the first step
(As in, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.")
*************************** Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude. You can trust the information you find here. It's from a dedicated walker. Trust me and your life will get better! I promise.
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