you know: walking is good for your health! But what is it more precisely? The Potips website gives us all the details on how walking is beneficial from all points of view!
In This Article
Why walk? What are the benefits?
It is often said that there is no point in running, well it is true. We can be satisfied with walking. But walk actively!
First of all, it is important to know that we are programmed to walk: First of all, because it allows us to burn calories, but also because each step we take is beneficial for our health.
By walking regularly, you can reduce your risk of heart attack and cancer by 30% and help your body fight against type 2 diabetes, which has harmful effects on the heart, kidneys and eyes.
We also often talk about psychological benefits
Know that walking makes you happy! Active walking is very beneficial for stress. I’m not the one saying this: there is a physiological explanation for this:
The more you walk, the more your brain releases endorphins, better known as “feel-good” hormones. The advantage is that this secretion does not stop when you finish your effort. In fact, these endorphins continue to act until they reach a peak 1 hour after the effort
In the end, the effect can last between 2 and 6 hours depending on the duration and intensity of the effort.
And I’m not even talking about the satisfaction of having completed a hike that you thought was a little too difficult for you. It is always gratifying.
And can you really lose weight by walking?
Yes, but be careful, it all depends on how long and at what pace.
Do you know how long it takes to lose 1 kilo?
About 30 hours at 5 km/h.
Not very encouraging you might say. But after 30 minutes a day of fast walking (the equivalent of 3,000 steps), you start burning calories, activating your cardiovascular system, and loosening your joints.
Very well, but why 30 minutes?
Because there is a notion of inertia of the body to be taken into account for this to work. The body must prepare itself for the effort at the muscular, respiratory and enzymatic levels.
In other words, below a certain duration (and a certain intensity), walking will only serve to move you. Not much more.
But from 30 minutes, you start to burn calories, and from one hour per day (6,000 to 7,000 steps), the active walk will get into the deep fat, and make you lose weight!
So how do you go about it if you want to start?
Well, first of all, we are going to avoid the mistakes not to be made: starting too hard, not listening to our body, and not respecting our rhythm.
Too often, if you are too motivated, you start out too ambitious and you end up paying for it. Instead, think progressively and set reasonable goals, even if it means increasing the intensity during the vacations.
The equipment is also important, isn’t it?
Absolutely: Whether it’s for a hike or a simple stroll: Opt for real walking shoes, especially if you are a bit old. It is essential.
Finally, choose time slots where it is not too hot in the morning or late afternoon before dinner, it opens the appetite.
And above all, never forget that walking can become a pleasure little by little and no longer a pain…
