Wednesday, March 24, 2021

The health benefits of walking.

Walking in the past didn't always get the respect it deserves, either for its health benefits or its role in recreation. But nowadays, with people more health-conscious than ever, walking is finally getting its day in the sun. It has also been given a boost by the popularity of wearable fitness-tracking devices.

Compared to running or jogging, walking is a less intensive workout. But it has become the workout of choice for many because it can be done during gaps in busy schedules. For example, many people are walking to and from work to get their steps in.

Once again, walking is a less intensive form of exercise than running. That means you will have to walk for longer periods or more often to match the benefits of running. However, walking can be surprisingly time-efficient because it can be done at any time. It's especially efficient if you factor in the extra warm-ups and changes of clothing and shoes that runners need.

Multiple studies have demonstrated that walking reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. The effects become evident even at relatively short distances at a casual pace. Moderate exercise is known to improve cardiac risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and mental stress. This has been enough to get people moving.