Walking is one of the easiest ways to exercise and stay fit. The magic number seems to be a whopping 10,000 steps a day to stay active and healthy. However, it can be difficult to fit in thousands of steps every day when you spend numerous hours sat at a desk.
Working from home has made it challenging to build up our step count throughout the day. You could use a sit-stand desk to spend more time on your feet during the working day. As more people return to their offices, it will be easier to fit in a few steps while commuting or walking to the bathroom. You can also fit in brisk walks before work, at lunch and in the evening to increase your step count. Instead of sitting down while scrolling on your phone or chatting on Zoom, walk around your house. You can smash out a thousand steps without even noticing.
Here are a few benefits of walking and how they can improve your life.
Strengthens muscles
Walking uses several different types of muscles in your body. It uses the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and lower back muscles to maintain stability. As you walk to work, you are building strength throughout your body and slowly getting fitter. You might enter the office a little warmer than usual – but at least your step count is off to a good start.
Lose weight
Walking burns lots of calories and can lead to weight loss. You need to be calorie deficient to lose weight, and walking is easy to fit in amongst work, children and adult responsibilities. If you skipped the gym today, make sure to do a few extra steps instead.
People with knee pain often try to lose weight to alleviate some of the pain. Find some shoes that shoes that fit well and support the arch of your foot. Comfortable shoes can make walking much more enjoyable.
Better sleep
It’s no secret that everyone wants more sleep in today’s world. Exercise can improve the quality of your sleep and help you access that dreamy REM stage. People can be busy, and sleeping can be challenging when your brain won’t shut off. Walking is a great way to work through some of those anxious thoughts, so they don’t bother you at night.
Mental health
Walking can help you release stress and excess energy at the end of a long day.
Get your walking shoes on and try to increase your step count this week.
