Walking is definitely good for you, but did you know that walking through nature lights up your brain differently than strolling through a bustling shopping centre, or stepping it out on a cement footpath. Surprised? The research team from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland measured brain activity of participants taking a 25 minute walk through each setting. Analysis found that those who walked through open green space experienced less frustration, higher meditation and more engagement. Reason enough to plan your walking route to include your local park.
But wait, there’s more! Being outside may also help make walking workouts feel easier. At Ohio State University in the US, researchers found that walkers who were allowed to set their own pace tended to stride more quickly and feel happier doing it when they were outdoors rather than indoors, suggesting that nature may provide just enough distraction to keep walkers energised.
(Discover 14 ways to get stong and lean in the Dec/Jan issue of Prevention.)
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