For some of us, being active is easier said than done. Sure, we might be able to push ourselves to be more active for a little while, although sticking to it is another story. But there are so many benefits to staying active, especially as you age. Walking is good for your emotional, psychological, and social well-being, with studies consistently confirming a link between physical activity and better mental health.
Choose to Walk
When it comes down to it, walking is just about the healthiest activity we can do. The fact that it’s also one of the easiest activities we can do makes it that much better. So if all you do is walk more, you’re taking a big step in the right direction! First of all, whenever you get a chance to get outside and take a walk around the block, do it! If you don’t have anything else to do, get outside and get some fresh air a few times a day. A 10-minute walk around the block can turn into a very healthy habit. Think about the short local trips that you take. Could you walk to those destinations rather than drive? You can also endeavor to park farther away from the stores you visit and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Find opportunities to walk and you’ll find that it can really add up to some serious health benefits.
Slow Walk
A slow walk is completely different from a regular walk. Instead, think of this as a leisurely stroll with a focused goal. While walking, tighten your abs, lengthen your spine, expand your chest, and keep your chin untucked so your airway isn’t restricted. Be sure you aren’t exerting too much energy; slow walking is supposed to keep your muscles engaged while keeping your heart rate up. Your forearms should be slightly parallel to the ground as you stride
Cardio Walk
During your cardio walks, you will walk at a fast pace, while keeping your arms at chest level and swinging them from front to back–just as when running. We call this a cardio walk because of its cardiovascular and fat-burning benefits
Walking fights off bad feelings by promoting good changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being.