We are all aware that exercising is important for our overall health. But exercising does not have to be hard.
When most people think about exercising the first image that comes to their mind is the gym.
However, we can exercise and not be aware of it. How? Well, as a matter of fact, all we need to do is to walk. Yes, it is said that taking around 10,000 steps on a daily basis can have marvelous benefits for our health.
Benefits of Taking 10,000 Steps
1. Improve Heart Health
Walking can help us to strengthen our whole cardiovascular system and our heart. In addition, it can help us to lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure.
2. Improve Sleep
If we walk during the day, we will sleep better at night. And having a restful sleep will benefit our overall health. We will have better concentration, and strength and be in a better mood the next day.
3. Getting in a Better Shape
The number of calories we burn depends on many factors. Factors such as distance, intensity, age, and weight. But we will burn calories when we walk for sure, therefore, walking on a daily basis can help us get in better shape.
Bear in mind that the trick is to burn more calories in comparison to the number of calories we consume. Therefore, yes, a healthy diet is just as essential as walking.
When we lose those extra pounds, we can maintain our weight goal just by walking.
4. Relieve Stress and Improve Mood
Since we live at a fast pace, it’s normal to be under stress. And for that, an excellent way to cool our nerves is to take a walk. As a matter of fact, any type of exercise actually releases feel-good hormones, and endorphins which can help relieve stress and lift up our mood.
The Importance of 10,000 Steps
The ADA notes that exercise is as important as taking our drugs, eating healthy, and managing stress when it comes to the management of type 2 diabetes.
In fact, the Diabetes Prevention Program made a study about this. According to the study, those who had prediabetes and who exercised for 150 minutes per week have notably lowered the risk of developing chronic disease.
The best exercise is walking since it’s of low impact and it’s less likely to injure our ligaments and joints.
When we walk, the body uses energy in the form of sugar, the same as the car uses gas. Those with type 2 diabetes have high blood glucose, and walking can help lower it. As a matter of fact, regular walking can improve the A1C test.
Simple Ways to Increase the Number of Daily Steps
- Walk to the store
- Take a walk with a friend, loved one, or child
- Window shop
- Walk the dog
- Use the stairs
- Park farther from the final destination
- Walk to a friend’s house
In no time we will notice that our body is improving and we will feel better. In case we are in poor physical condition, we should make sure to slow down if we feel that it is too much for us. We should stay in our comfort zone when walking.
Before we change our exercise routine we better consult our doctor. The best part about walking is that it’s free and that we can do it anywhere.
