Walking is considered one of the simplest and most effective exercises anyone can engage in. Walking helps to keep the body fit, enhance body metabolism, and burn calories.
Individuals who want to build stamina and keep their hearts in good shape can engage in walking exercises regularly. While walking at a normal pace is still beneficial, there are several benefits to walking with speed.
1. Burn Calories
Walking at a faster pace helps to burn calories faster. According to the American Council on Exercise, a person weighing 150 pounds can burn over 100 calories by walking a mile in fifteen minutes or less.
Walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes can burn up to 300 calories. This makes it a good exercise to lose weight and maintain healthy body weight.
2. Increase Cardiovascular Health
Walking with speed improves cardiovascular health by enabling the heart to pump oxygenated blood to the body’s tissues faster. This leads to an increase in the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
This helps to enhance the capacity of the lungs and heart and reduces the risk of developing coronary artery disease and stroke. A brisk walk at least three times per week has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness and lower blood pressure.
3. Build Endurance
Walking at a fast pace helps to build endurance and stamina. Individuals who walk regularly will notice an increase in their strength and perseverance. This allows them to walk for longer distances without getting tired or fatigued.
Persons who engage in walking exercises regularly can also engage in other activities for long periods without feeling exhausted.
4. Reduce Risks of Chronic Diseases
Walking with speed has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Several studies have shown that walking can improve insulin sensitivity, blood glucose levels, and lipid profile, thereby reducing the risks of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer.
5. Increase Energy Levels
Walking with speed is known to boost energy levels. Regular walking exercises help to enhance body metabolism, increase oxygen flow to the tissues and cells, and reduce fatigue. This helps you to become more alert and focused throughout the day.
6. Improve Body Posture and Balance
Walking with speed exerts more pressure on the body’s muscles and joints, especially in the legs and feet. This helps to strengthen these muscles and improve body posture and balance.
People who walk regularly have better balance and are less likely to experience falls.
7. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Walking at a faster pace helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Research has proven that walking can boost endorphin production, which is the body’s natural feel-good hormone.
Walking also helps to reduce cortisol production, the hormone associated with stress and anxiety. Walking can, therefore, improve mental health and lead to better mood and concentration.
8. Promotes Longevity
Walking regularly can increase the lifespan of an individual. Walking has been shown to reduce the risk of premature death by up to 30%. Walking helps to maintain healthy body weight, reduce chronic illness, and improve cardiovascular health.
This helps to increase lifespan and improve the quality of life.
9. Engage in Social Activities
Walking with speed is a great way to engage in social activities. Friends and family can join in, making it a fun and interactive exercise. Walking with loved ones allows individuals to bond and connect with others.
Engaging in walking groups is also beneficial for those who prefer outdoor activities.
10. Easy to Incorporate into Daily Life
Walking with speed is one of the easiest forms of exercise to incorporate into daily life. Individuals can walk to work or use stairs instead of elevators, or take a walk after dinner.
Walking is a low-impact exercise that doesn’t require any expensive equipment. Consequently, walking is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy and can be done at any time and in any location.