Looking for a workout that boosts your mood as much as your fitness? Walk this way...
Doing just 30 minutes walking at a brisk pace every day will get you feeling great in no time. Here's why:
- Walking helps burn fat and calories - a person weighing 10st can burn 100 calories per mile. So even without changing your diet, if you walk two miles a day, you could lose 1lb every three weeks.
- It gets you fit and tones your buttocks, thighs, hips and abdomen.
- It increases your sense of wellbeing, is an efficient stress-buster and boosts your metabolism and energy levels.
- As it's a weight-bearing exercise, it can strengthen bones.
- It strengthens your heart and immune system, lowers your blood pressure and reduces the risk of strokes and heart disease.
- It improves flexibility and co-ordination.
- It gets you outdoors, so you're exposed to vitamin D-producing sunlight. Our bodies need this vitamin to absorb calcium properly and maintain healthy bones.
- It's really easy to fit into your day - just slip on a pair of walking shoes and you can commute to or from work, or go for an invigorating walk at lunchtime.
- It saves you money - if you walk to meetings or work you won't have to pay travel costs or for petrol or parking.
