We show you the easy way to tone up, get fit and lose inches
Walking has so many health benefits in terms of body toning, shaping and weight loss and can also reduce the risk of many diseases — from heart attack and stroke to hip fracture and glaucoma.
Here are just some of the health benefits of walking.
Weight Management
If you combine a regular walking programme with healthy eating you have the basis of long-lasting weight control. The miles you cover burn fat as well as turn fat to muscle and burn more calories.
Controlling Blood Pressure
Physical activity strengthens the heart so it can pump more blood with less effort and with less pressure on the arteries. Getting fit through walking is as good as some medications in helping to keep blood pressure levels down.
Protecting against hip fracture
Consistent activity diminishes the risk of hip fracture, concludes a study of more than 30,000 men and women ages 20 to 93.
Decreasing your risk of heart attack and type 2 diabetes
A brisk walk for three hours a week — or just half an hour a day — is associated with a 30% to 40% lower risk of heart disease in women. Those at high risk of diabetes cut their risk in half by combining consistent exercise like walking with lower fat intake and a 5% to 7% weight loss.
Boosting "good" cholesterol (the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) ).
Physical activity helps reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) in the blood, which can cause plaque build-up along the artery walls — a major cause of heart attacks.
The list goes on and on. Many other studies indicate a daily brisk walk can also:
• Lower stress levels
• Relieve arthritis and back pain
• Strengthen muscles, bones, and joints
• Improve sleep
• Elevate overall mood and sense of well-being.
