Just Walk it Off!

Don’t we all wish that the benefits of a daily walk could be put in a pill? There are so many health benefits in walking, a pill would be a guaranteed best seller. Major research shows that walking can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, hip fractures and glaucoma. No prescription is required, and side effects are low enough to make any skeptic smile.

Combine walking with a healthy eating program to help ensure long-lasting weight control. Maintaining weight at a healthy limit can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis.

Staying fit is just as effective as some medications in keeping blood pressure under control. Walking can strengthen the heart, causing it to pump more blood with less effort. This also means less pressure on the arteries.

A brisk walk of just 30 minutes a day can result in a 30 – 40% lower risk of heart disease.

Walking can also help reduce bad cholesterol in the blood, which causes plaque buildup along the artery walls. Too much plaque in the arteries leads to heart disease.

Cut your risk of stroke by as much as 50% by enjoying a brisk one hour walk five days a week.

A recent Harvard study has shown that regular walking can help to prevent the need for gallstone surgery by as much as 20-30%.

In addition, walking can help prevent depression, colon cancer, constipation, osteoporosis and impotence. Walking has also been shown to length life span and lower stress levels.

A steady routine is the most important factor in getting the best results from your walking program. Try walking for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 or more days per week and gradually work up to increased minutes. The benefits are almost endless!

This article and all other articles found at Last Chance Fitness should never be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician before making any health decisions. Last Chance Fitness will not be held responsible for any actions you take based on the suggestions or opinions given freely in the above article. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of the staff of Last Chance Fitness.