Five Reasons You Should Start Walking More in 2024

The new year is upon us and many of us will be making resolutions on how we can get that little more healthy. That might be by giving up chocolate, alcohol, cigarettes or it could be by working towards a more active lifestyle. 

Walking is a great way to do that, with the low impact exercise amazing for all manner of reasons, whether it be committing to walking the short distances you’d usually take in the car or heading out over the weekend and enjoying some long hikes. 

So, if you’re considering walking a little more, here are five reasons that may well seal the deal…

Heart Health

Firstly, it’s good for your heart. Walking is a superb way of boosting cardiovascular health, strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation. In turn this reduces the risk of heart disease and will help maintain a healthy blood pressure. 

Weight Management and Fitness

Of course, the more walking you do, the more calories you’re burning which will help maintain a healthy weight. It’ll also improve your fitness levels. Even though it might not seem particularly high-intensity, you’ll still be elevating your heart rate and improving your fitness.

That’s especially the case when you head out into the hills, with upwards walking giving you a much more testing workout.

Mental Well-being

Importantly, walking can really aid with mental health too. Fresh air and natural surroundings can promote a sense of calm, while the endorphins released from exercise will boost your mood. It’s recommended by many professionals, particularly these days when more people than ever before are struggling with their mental health.

UKAT London, a medical health clinic London is one of many centres across the country that is encouraging those suffering with the likes of anxiety and depression to get out into the great outdoors as part of their recovery.

Joint Health and Mobility

Unlike many high-impact exercises, walking is nice and gentle on the joints, meaning it’s ideal to keep them ticking over for all ages. Walking regularly will improve flexibility of joints, strength of muscles and enhance your overall mobility. 

It’s especially beneficial for those who do suffer from stiffness, providing a lower risk form of exercise to lose that stiffness and stay active.

Doing your bit for the environment

Finally, just making small changes, such as taking a walk rather than jump in the car can be you doing your bit for the environment. It might not feel like much, but every little helps and if everyone were to do it, it would make a huge impact on the world.

Of course, there are many other positives too, from the social elements to engaging in hobbies such as bird-watching and things like that at the same time. So, what’re you waiting for? Lace up those shoes and start putting one foot in front of the other.