Start Making Strides
Sitting in that office chair non-stop or driving around in that car all day could kill you. Failing to move regularly throughout your day can be a contributor to a range of diseases affecting your heart, circulation, and respiratory systems, some of which could lead to early death. We should all know by now and at this age that a sedentary lifestyle can hamper your daily life by causing low energy levels, reducing your strength, causing you to become overweight or obese, and opening the door to many different diseases.
Don’t underestimate the power of walking! I’m sure you know by now that I have been training to walk a marathon in Washington, D.C., next Sunday since January, and I believe that I’ve already reaped some of the benefits! Perhaps you have, too? They are listed below:
20 Benefits of Walking:
- Helps with weight management (burns more fat than jogging).
- It’s accessible to everyone.
- Doesn’t require special equipment or gym membership.
- It is one of the easiest ways to get more active.
- Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- It’s a low-impact exercise (good for knees).
- Lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).
- Raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- Lowers blood pressure (see my personal story post about blood pressure)
- Reduces the risk of some cancers (limits Colon Cancer by 31%).
- It helps reduce risk and aids with the management of type 2 diabetes
- Improves mood.
- It helps maintain strong bones (builds bone mass, reducing the risk of Osteoporosis)).
- Reduces the risk of heart attack.
- Less likely to lead to injuries, improves balances, thus preventing falls).
- Reduces stress (Boosts Endorphins, which eases stress, tension, anger, and fatigue).
- Reduces risk of heart disease (stroke).
- Free.
- Builds aerobic fitness.
- It helps maintain lean muscle tissue.
An important note of encouragement: women who walk at least three hours every week are less likely to suffer a stroke than women who walk less or not at all–so start making strides, ladies!
You’re never too old to walk. Not walking or moving is hazardous to your health. Listed below are some ideas to help get you motivated and moving:
1. Pedometer, Fitbit, Apple Watch
2. Apps on Smart Phones for Walking
3. 10,000 steps program
4. Mall Walking Programs
5. Walk with friends, group, or a loved one.
One last statistic to ponder: “4 out of 5 African American Women are overweight or obese.” By walking, you can make strides to change the figures. Pun all the way intended.
This is a great post! Shonte and I are starting our walking regime tomorrow 🙂
Serena, you and Shonte are going to love walking together, great time of the year to start walking, neither too hot nor cold. Thanks for your comment Ms. Esquire!!
First, you look great! Love the easy & chic outfit! I need a pair of blue pants!!
I’ve pretty much hibernated thru winter but now it’s time get back into exercising mode. Walking sounds like a good place to start! Great post!
Jeanne W, thanks for your kind words. And I forgot to wish your hubby Happy Birthday!!
Hello Eugenia! Sorry it’s taken me so long to respond! Got you down on the blogroll. Welcome!!!
Bella Q, Thank you for adding my blog to your group!!
Came across your blog via The Citizen Rosebud and will be a regular viewer. 🙂 Love this post on walking; walking as long been my salvation, my therapy! You are a beautiful woman and I’m glad to have come across your page.
Carolanne, thank you for your compliment. I agree with your comment about walking being salvation, so easy to do with some many benefits. Thank you for stopping by. If you have a blog, please share, I would love to support your efforts as well.