The Surprising Health Benefits of Walking Daily

With gyms still closed due to coronavirus, you have to get creative with workouts to stay in shape. Besides fitness videos and at-home workouts, there’s always the option of walking outside. Walking is a great way to exercise for beginners looking to start new healthy habits and a 30-minute walk a day can have plenty of benefits for your health. Here’s why you should start going for more walks.

Improves Mood

The simple things in life like fresh air can change your whole attitude. A change of scenery and walking can decrease depression and reduce your anxiety. Going outside and exercising can help clear your mind, even if it’s just a short walk around the block.

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Lowers Blood Pressure

A consistent walking routine helps lower your blood pressure and prevents heart disease. If you have existing heart conditions, walking is a safer way to get exercise in.

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Boosts Metabolism

Besides eating healthy, you can boost your metabolism and keep weight off by walking. You’ll be burning a ton of calories without even noticing it!

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Aids Recovery

If you do a lot of high-intensity workouts, your body needs time to rest and recover between them. Walking is a low-to-moderate intensity exercise that gets the blood flowing and increases heart rate without being too hard on your joints.

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#LittlePositiveChanges I started this hashtag some time ago now, to remind me and all of you that it’s the little changes that can make big positive effects to your lives. Sometimes we all make goals that are too big! I have done it my whole life, always challenging myself too much, in these past years mainly around my health and getting fitter. Suffering with Lupus and Hyper-mobility changed my life, years ago I ran for my county, I loved running and being sporty, but slowly that become impossible and then carrying my 3 children took a toll on my body I never knew was possible. 6 years ago after Deacon I had a flare up that meant I thought I would never be able to exercise again. I’ve tried everything couch 2 5k the most recent and when I ended up getting hurt in week 3 I cried and spiralled into a depression. So when I decided to try the @samaritanscharity #Samarathon2019 26.2 miles walking/jogging/running over the month I wasn’t sure how I would do, but I am loving it! The first walked killed me, the second even harder but over 15 miles in completing my longest walk yet yesterday at over 2 miles I excited to keep going. I only walk, jogging is not on the cards for me but who cares as 1 mile was tough day 1 now not so much. Ash took this picture yesterday on our family walk, the wind was against me, I only slept a few hours but with his encouragement I felt so proud even if there is serious visible belly line. So please set yourself #littlepositivechanges and they will feel HUGE! #happysunday #walkingexercise #beproudofyourself #bettshangercountrypark #supportsmall #kentbloggersuk

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