Walking may not be considered too much especially when it comes to exercise. However, research has shown that just a one-hour walk can burn up to 500 calories, which is a good start and of course, good for your health.
Here are some interesting facts about walking
1. Walking improves blood circulation
Walking has been realized to raise the heart rate, lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart. A research showed that women who walk on a regular basis have less fat on their body than women who don’t walk. Walking also lowers the risk of blood clotting, since the calf acts as a venous pump.
The venous pump contracts and pumps blood from the feet and legs and then back to the heart. This is very good as it reduces the load on the heart and ultimately improves cardiovascular health (fitness of the heart).
2. Walking yields longer life span
This has been proven by a research that adults in their fifties to sixties who walk, have a 35% higher likelihood of living 8 years longer than their peers who don’t walk at all.
3. Walking makes you happy
Research has shown that the more meters you cover a day on foot, the happier you get. So you can practically walk away from stress, and stay happy just by walking.
4. Walking strengthens the muscles
It’s a misconception that you can only strengthen your muscles in the gym. Walking can help in building your leg and abdominal muscles, and even your arm muscles if you pump them while walking.
5. Walking improves breath rate
While walking, breathing rate increases and this causes oxygen to travel faster through the bloodstream, hence improving your health.
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