Health Benefits Of Walking 30 Minutes A Day

When most individuals decide to make a conscious effort to improve their health, they typically think they need to take on one of the 'heavy hitters,' such as cross fit or marathon running. But the truth is these high-intensity programs typically only resonate with individuals who are already fitness buffs. For the other eighty percent of Americans who aren’t getting enough exercise and won’t stick to a high-intensity training program, walking just thirty minutes a day can offer many of the same benefits. So if you have wanted to do something good for your health, consider the benefits of walking, lace up your tennis shoes, and hit the pavement.

Look at these major health benefits of walking now.

Boosts Mental Health

Dreamstime

One of the first benefits individuals new to exercise begin noticing, regardless of what kind of workout they’re doing, is improved mental and emotional health. Walking falls within the category of activities with repetitive motions that help the brain process thoughts and memories more easily. Not only that, but it also increases the production of neurons as well as an important neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps the body and brain cope with anxiety. Walking also boosts mental health by helping individuals feel more energized and happier, particularly if they walk outside in a familiar location. And the best part is the mental health benefits of just thirty minutes of walking can last up to twelve hours or more, so it’s a great way to start the day the right way.

Get to know the next health benefit of walking thirty minutes a day now.

Weight Loss

Photo Credit: Dreamstime

Exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s important for individuals to choose a form of exercise they can and will stick with. Walking is a great option because it requires no equipment other than a supportive pair of shoes and comfortable clothes and can be done nearly anywhere. Not only that, but it is also specifically beneficial for losing weight, a goal for many adopting a more active lifestyle. In fact, walking supports weight management in many different ways. Walking burns calories, which is an important component of losing weight. This activity also helps preserve lean muscle, which regulates an individual's metabolic rate and supports greater weight loss. Not only that, but one study even found walking contributed to targeted weight loss around the midsection, which is often a problem area.

It's time to reveal the next major health benefit of walking for just thirty minutes a day.

NEXT PAGE
NEXT PAGE

MORE FROM GoodHealthFix

    MORE FROM GoodHealthFix

      MORE FROM GoodHealthFix