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With busy schedules and long working hours, it can be increasingly hard to get to the gym or exercise class. However, simply building in the opportunity to walk, whether during your working day or for leisure, brings fabulous benefits, and is achievable whatever your age or current level of fitness.
Increasing regular exercise has a big impact on your health and how you feel. The start of the summer is a great time to try to fit in more walking, with longer daylight and mild weather. Could you reduce your drive to work or public transport commute and cover some distance on foot?
Discover the benefits of walking:
Builds a stronger heart
Brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week will help strengthen your heart. Having a stronger heart will mean your resting heart rate is lower as it doesn’t need to beat as fast. A strong heart helps to improve blood flow to all parts of the body and reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Builds strength
Brisk walking builds strength in many muscles including the lower limbs. Some may even find their core muscles become strengthened through regular brisk walking.
Lowers risk of disease
A regular walking habit slashes the risk of type 2 diabetes by around 60 per cent, and you’re 20 per cent less likely to develop cancer of the colon, breast or womb with an active hobby such as walking.
Tones up legs, bums and tums
Give definition to calves, quads and hamstrings while lifting your glutes (bottom muscles) with a good, regular walk. Add hill walking into the mix and it becomes even more effective.
Boosts vitamin D
Many people in the UK are vitamin D deficient, which affects important things like bone health and immune systems. Walking is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while getting your vitamin D fix.
Gives you energy
A brisk walk is one of the best natural energisers around. It boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alert and alive. Try walking on your lunch break to achieve more in the afternoon.
Find out more about Jelf and how the company can help protect your health and wellbeing.