Walk this Way

Steven Tyler and Aerosmith were on to something when they belted out “walk this way”.  This form of natural movement can be an easy, gently and enjoyable activity that is definitely worth doing regularly.  Simply going for a walk is an under rated, low stress, low impact accessible way to accrue lots of health benefits.  Consider one or all of these proven benefits of walking:
 
Mood Boosting– Walking can improve your mood, especially if you can get outside for a stroll.  Studies have shown that when people walk outside they report less “rumination”(repeatedly thinking negative thoughts about yourself).
 
Improved Heart Health– Just 30 minutes of walking a day can improve blood pressure and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. The 30 minutes don’t even all have to be done at the same time.  Find opportunities to walk like parking your car farther away from buildings, taking the stairs, pacing while on the phone or walking the dog around the block. It all adds up!
 
Tame Sugar Cravings  - Studies have shown that a 15-minute walk helped people curb cravings for chocolate and even reduce the amount of chocolate you may eat as a result of stressful situations.
 
Bolster Brain Health– Going for regular walks has been associated with increased ability to grow new neural connections in your brain. This might help stave off cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life.
 
Ease Joint Pain – Walking can reduce arthritis-related pain and might even work to prevent arthritis from forming in the first place.  Walking protects the joints by strengthening and lubricating them.
 
Immune Booster - Walking might help protect you from getting a cold and or the flu.  A study from Harvard health found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less.  And if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration, and their symptoms were milder.
 
 
Low pain, lots of gain is what you can experience when you find a way to walk.