Looking for the best gym-free workout? It could be as easy as putting one foot in front of the other.
YOU’LL HIT THE HEALTH TRIFECTA
Good news! If you want to simultaneously reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and slash your diabetes risk, a brisk walk is every bit as beneficial as running, according to a US study. Surprisingly, the key is how far you walk, rather than for how long. The more you walk each week, the more health benefits you'll gain. But take note: "It's not a mosey—think walking for exercise," says Dr Paul Williams, one of the study's authors.
IT’LL ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE
That's right: a Taiwanese study found that just 15 minutes of moderate exercise (like a fast walk) every day can add an extra three years to your life. Even better? Every additional 15 minutes of exercise you do daily decreases your mortality by 4%. Which means? Thirty minutes of exercise every day equals an extra four years of life. Brilliant.
IT’LL MAKE YOU HAPPY
Feeling stressed and demotivated? Put your shoes on and hit the great outdoors. One recent study found that a fast walk for 60 minutes per day, three times per week, can have a significant positive impact on treating mild to moderate symptoms of depression, while another found the after-effects of exercise last longer than antidepressants. How? For starters, when you get your legs moving and blood pumping, you stimulate the production of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that give you a natural high, boost immunity and reduce pain. Not bad for something you can do without even thinking.
IT WILL HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT
Just how effective, you ask? Walking can help women 40+ (who burn up to 1256 kJ a day by walking) lose an average of 10kg without dieting. Walkers also tend to lose more weight, and keep it off, than runners. Why? In a study of women aged 50 to 65, walkers were eight times less likely to injure themselves than runners, making them more likely to stick with their regime long-term.
IT’S YOUR HEALTH CRYSTAL BALL
Already a keen walker? Chances are you'll be powering on for decades to come. Why? After the age of 65, how fast you walk can be an indicator of overall health—and the numbers of years you'll be able to enjoy it. Researchers have discovered a strong link between walking speed and longevity. Meaning? Put your hiking boots on now and reap the rewards.
Keen to get walking, lose weight, and reset your health? Sign up for the Prevention Virtual Walk on October 11!
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