Happy Tuesday,
Since last year I've changed a lot about myself and my big focus was changing parts of my lifestyle. I really wanted to do it though more because of my health and parts of me were also leading me to change my eating habits. My diet has changed in a big way but I don't begrudge myself of certain things but fizzy drinks have really taken a back seat. I've also put exercise into my life and that has picked up since of last year. I call myself a part time gym bunny as of when I can I hit the gym. I also do one other exercise in my life an that is walking.
I love getting myself out into the nice crisp fresh air as I find it's great for opening up my airways and lungs just given them a little nudge of life. When Dublin has the fine weather there are such incredible places to go and visit that are so beautiful for you not to miss out on giving you another good excuse to go and have a little wander around or maybe a hike up the mountains. The good weather also puts everyone in a good mood, boost people's metabolism and also our bodies are getting a great hit of vitamin d.
It also gave me another reason to do this piece as I really wanted to know more on the benefits of walking as an exercise. I myself don't really noticed the changes in me just yet but the people that are very close to me have an say it to me all the time. Here are the rest of the benefits to walking as an exercise:
1. A better brain the cognitive benefits of walking have long been known, including improved memory and creativity.
2. Reduce breast cancer risk recent studies show that women who walk for 30 minutes daily can reduce their breast cancer risk by 42%.
3. Lower blood pressure get outside and get some air! Taking a brisk walk after eating has been shown to lower blood pressure.
4. Improved immunity studies show that a 30 minutes walk leads to improved markers for a healthy immune function.
5. Keep your balance by walking outdoors helps maintain or improve your balance, protecting you from falls and other accidents.
6. A better butt walking properly engages your butt muscles, a difficult area to access through other exercises.
7. Improved cholesterol levels another reason to walk after dinner! A quick 30 minutes walk has shown to lower cholesterol levels.
8. Better blood sugar control walking after meals for just 15 minutes can reduce blood sugar spikes, which can regulate glucose and fat storage.
9. Stronger heart a brisk walk daily lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol and manages blood sugar, the top 3 markers for heart disease.
10. Healthier bones walking is an excellent weight bearing exercise for rebuilding bones weakened by osteoporosis, especially the spine and hips.
11. Lower stress walking especially out in nature has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, an important marker for stress.
12. Less body fat consistent frequent walking is great way to keep your heart rate in a fat burning zone, leading to fat loss.
13. A longer life good news! Brisk daily walks have shown to be an accurate predictor of a longer life.
14. Clearer thinking Aristotle taught students while walking because he knew people solve problems and generate more ideas while performing low level movement.
Hope you enjoy the piece!!
Bubbles xx
