If you are looking for a fun and simple activity that you can do to raise your overall health and fitness level, look no further than taking a daily walk. There are numerous health benefits of walking, some physical and some mental. A daily walk is easy to do, requires no special equipment or gym membership, and you will start seeing (and feeling) results right away.
First of all, the health benefits of a daily walk can be seen in your physical health. Getting up and getting your body moving each day is a great way to get fit, and stay fit. This is especially true of those of us who are getting up in years.
One of the biggest enemies of health for anyone, especially the elderly, is a sedentary lifestyle. For example, if you just sit around all day, your muscles will weaken, your metabolism slow down, and you will notice that you have difficulty walking or even standing for longer periods of time. Going for a daily walk is a sure way to ensure that your muscles stay active and in good shape.
Taking a walk each day helps strengthen the heart and lungs and improves the body's endurance and ability to use oxygen. When you walk, your heart works harder so it can pump oxygenated blood from the lungs to muscles and internal organs.
In addition, to the benefits to the heart and lungs, you will also feel improvement in your legs and feet. Walking gives your legs and feet increased blood flow and stimulation that will relieve tension and stiffness, and enable you to walk further with less effort and pain.
Although walking can provide dramatic physical health improvements, not all of the benefits are of a physical nature. Walking also improves mental health and functioning. Many people enjoy taking a daily walk to help ease their mind, and regain mental clarity.
Time alone each day outside with nature is a great way to leave your cares behind and focus on positive thoughts. You can even use this time walking as a time for meditation and reflection. A good way to do this is to find a place such as a park or pathway that is quiet but not completely secluded to go for a walk every day. Stay moving for at least 20 minutes, and preferably more if possible for maximum benefits. This will be plenty of time to get your lungs and heart working, and your blood pumping to your body parts.
If you haven't yet begun taking a walk each day, what's holding you back? I encourage you to start as soon as you're done reading this. If you want to improve your health and fitness without joining a gym or buying fancy exercise equipment, walking is a sure way to do it. Once you commit to doing it, you will start to see and feel the health benefits of taking a daily walk before you even know it.
One great way to walk for improved fitness and health is to use an exercise machine in the comfort of your own home. Two good choices to consider include the Weslo Cadence R 5-2 Treadmill and the very reasonably priced Stamina e1000 Elliptical Trainer. Good luck as you exercise!
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