Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise.

However, if you want to continue to maintain a youthful-looking body and mind, it’s important to mix up your routine and incorporate exercises that improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Here are some age-defying exercises to add to your daily walk:.

1. Lunges

Lunges are one of the best exercises for strengthening your leg muscles, improving your balance, and toning your glutes. Start by standing up straight with your feet hip-width apart.

Then, step forward with your left foot, keeping your right foot where it is. Lower your body until your left thigh is parallel to the ground. Your knee should be directly above your ankle, and your right heel should be lifted off the ground.

Push off your left foot to return to the starting position, then repeat with your right foot. Do 10-12 reps on each leg.

2. Squats

Squats are another great exercise for strengthening your legs and glutes. Start by standing up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body as if you’re sitting in a chair, keeping your knees behind your toes.

Keep your back straight and your chest up. Then, push up through your heels to return to the starting position. Do 10-12 reps.

3. Calf raises

Calf raises are a simple but effective exercise for strengthening your calves and improving your balance. Start by standing up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Lift your heels off the ground as high as you can, then slowly lower them back down.

Do 10-12 reps.

4. Leg swings

Leg swings improve your hip mobility and help to prevent falls. Start by standing up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Hold onto something for balance if needed. Swing your left leg forward and backward, keeping your leg straight.

Then, swing your left leg out to the side and back across your body. Repeat on your right leg. Do 10-12 swings on each leg, in each direction.

5. Wall push-ups

Wall push-ups are a great exercise for strengthening your arms, chest, and shoulders. Start by standing facing a wall, with your arms straight out in front of you. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height, shoulder-width apart.

Lean towards the wall, bending your elbows as you lower your body towards the wall. Then, push back up to the starting position. Do 10-12 reps.

6. Toe touches

Toe touches stretch your hamstrings and improve your flexibility. Start by standing up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Bend forward at the waist and touch your toes, keeping your legs straight.

Hold for a few seconds, then slowly roll up one vertebra at a time. Do 10-12 reps.

7. Arm circles

Arm circles help to improve your shoulder mobility and flexibility. Start by standing up straight with your arms straight out to your sides. Make small circles with your arms, slowly increasing the size of the circles.

Then, reverse the direction of the circles. Do 10-12 circles in each direction.

8. Step-ups

Step-ups are a great exercise for strengthening your legs and improving your balance. Start by standing in front of a step or stair. Step up onto the step with your left foot, then bring your right foot up to meet it.

Step back down with your right foot, then with your left foot. Do 10-12 reps, then switch sides.

9. Planks

Planks are a great exercise for strengthening your core and improving your posture. Start by getting into a push-up position, with your arms straight and your hands shoulder-width apart.

Keep your body straight from your head to your toes, engaging your abs. Hold the position for 20-30 seconds, then rest. Do 2-3 sets.

10. Yoga poses

Yoga poses are a great way to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. Some beginner-friendly poses to try include downward-facing dog, warrior I, and tree pose. Hold each pose for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.

Conclusion

Adding these age-defying exercises to your daily walk can help you to maintain a youthful-looking body and mind, improve your balance, strength, and flexibility, and reduce your risk of falls and injuries.

Make sure to warm up before exercising, and cool down and stretch afterwards. And don’t forget to listen to your body – if an exercise feels uncomfortable or painful, stop and check with your doctor or a fitness professional.