It might seem a little too good to be true, but walking is one of the most underrated and beneficial forms of exercise there is! Walking can have just as many physical and mental benefits as running, potentially even more.
Molly Woollett
22/05/24
It might seem a little too good to be true, but walking is one of the most underrated and beneficial forms of exercise there is! Walking can have just as many physical and mental benefits as running, potentially even more.
22/05/24
Often overlooked in favour of more intense workouts, walking is actually one of the most important and beneficial forms of exercise. Physical activity doesn’t have to be complicated and doesn’t have to be vigorous or done for a long period of time to improve your health. One of the best things about walking, is that its free! It doesn’t require any special equipment or training and is a great form of activity for those that haven’t exercised for a long time, or who are overweight or elderly.
One of the greatest advantages of walking is its simplicity and accessibility. You don’t need special equipment, a gym membership, or a specific location. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on vacation, you can walk virtually anywhere. This convenience makes it easier to incorporate into your daily routine, helping you stay active regardless of your schedule or environment. To get the benefits from walking, try to walk at a brisk pace for at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. ‘Brisk’ means you can talk but not sing and you may be slightly out of breath. If 30 minutes is too difficult at one time, you can do small intervals of about 10 minutes, 3 times a day and gradually build up to longer.
Not only does walking improve your physical health, but it can also have incredible benefits for your mental health. The simple act of walking is a proven mood booster, even just 10 minutes can increase your mental alertness, energy and can increase your self-esteem as well as reduce stress and anxiety.
In terms of physiotherapy, a walking program can be tailored to any fitness level and being a low-impact exercise makes it perfect for every age group. If your mobility is something you struggle with and you’re nervous about your ability to walk, our physiotherapists can design an exercise programme to increase muscle strength, restore normal patterns of walking, and improve balance.
