We all want to be healthy and being more active is becoming more important, so as a Bristol Osteopath I like to highlight the health benefits of walking to patients looking for gentler forms of exercise.
I wrote an article on gentle forms of exercise, which will also be useful reading.
Most of us walk a reasonable amount. But how many of us think about it as exercise.
We are built to walk, but what are the health benefits of walking?
As a Bristol Osteopath, I advise some of my patients to consider the health benefits of walking, which include:
Simple and free: No gym membership, just a good pair of shoes (and maybe a rain coat!)
Low impact: when walking we use our bodies in a great physiological way without physically stressing the body too much, as opposed to other exercises that can load our bodies in a more impactful way.
Exercise for all: walking is something almost all of us can do to gain good cardiovascular exercise. We can work to our level. This might be a slow steady pace or a forced ‘power’ walk. You can get your heart rate up and work in a moderate way for extended periods of time.
Great for weight loss as well as fitness: low impact, steady walking for an extended length of time is great to burn fat. Forty mins a day of brisk walking with your heart rate raised will do wonders for cardiovascular health and will burn those calories. It doesn’t have to be painful just break a sweat and a bit of heavy breathing will do it.
Great for mental health: there are many studies citing how beneficial walking is for mental health. The simple act of getting outdoors, and being in fresh, clean air can clear out brain fog and leave us feeling invigorated.
Great for the environment: not only can we get in touch and appreciate nature while we walk, but we aren’t doing damage to it either. Walking is such a great way to connect with the world around us.
Social: walking can be such social thing to do for all ages, for families and for old and young alike. It’s one of the few activities that crosses all generations and we can do it all together, bringing families and friends together.
Core strength and balance: Walking is a great, natural way to build core strength and improve balance which is so important as we get older.
Life Balance: walking is good way to balance what is for many of us a busy and sometimes stressful work or home environment. A simple way to de-stress that can bring balance to our lives.
Great for dogs: for those of us that are animal lovers, daily dog walking will keep you and your pooch happy and healthy.
As a leading Bristol Osteopath, I advise patients to think of the following before walking:
Plan a route and don't go too far
Check the weather and dress for it
Take some water and a snack
Make sure you have good footwear
I also recommend that patients consider having a Maintenance Osteopathic Treatment (MOT) before undertaking new or different forms of exercise.
Read this to find out the benefits of an MOT at my Bristol Osteopathic clinic.
To find out more about the full range of osteopathic treatments provided at Alex Prince Osteopathy in Bristol, please visit here for details.