The Benefits Of Walking
March 22nd, 2011 | 
Author: Walking – A Great Start To The Day
I am very fortunate to be living in a most beautiful part of the world here in Australia (ok, so maybe I’m also just a wee bit biased 
). One of my favorite ways to s
tart the day, is to get up early – jumping out of bed, of course 
; throw on my clothes, and head to the beach for a brisk walk, whilst experiencing the joy of watching the sun come up. In the summer months, I will almost always also have a dip in the ocean. That way, not only do I get the wonderful benefits of walking, I also arrive home to feel clear headed, refreshed, and re-energized to start my day.
Now I know for some people, the thought of jumping out of bed at some ungodly hour in the morning if they don’t have to, is incomprehensible. Relax…you don’t have to. This is just what works for me. One of the many great benefits of walking is that you can, within reason, do it anytime and anywhere.
Why Walk?
So, apart from the convenience that walking offers; what other great benefits of walking are there, that make it worth considering as a way of improving your health and well-being?
• It elevates mood, and lowers stress levels, due to hormones that are released as we exercise
• It is a low impact form of exercise, which means that it’s gentler on the joints
• Walking is good for cardiovascular fitness, and can assist in lowering blood pressure
• It improves bone density, therefore reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Can help to improve sleeping patterns
• Will assist in weight loss
• It energizes you
• Walking helps to strengthen your immune system
• Improves flexibility
• Enables you to get outside and enjoy some sunshine and absorb some all important vitamin D (keeping in mind appropriate sun safety measures)
• Allows you to determine the pace that best suits you
• It involves cross patterning, which is really important in strengthening the connection between the left and right sides of the brain
• For some individuals, walking enhances their creativity
• If at all practical, kick off the shoes and go barefoot, at least some of the time (being so close to the beach, I am fortunate enough to be able to do this). This enables you to reconnect with the earth, a concept known as ‘grounding’
• It’s great for the environment, and can be a fabulous way to explore the world that you live in
• Walking costs nothing!
So there you have it, there really are so many great benefits of walking. If you are physically able to, why wouldn’t you give walking a go?! Just a word of caution however, if you do suffer from any condition that may affect your ability to exercise; make sure to get the all clear from your health care professional first.
If you are already a walker, what are the reasons that you choose to walk, and where do you like to walk?
Hilary
Abundance Of Wellness Advocate.
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I just had a baby 3 weeks ago and walking is the best form of exercise for me at the moment. There are so many benefits of walking for a new mum – physical health, mental well-being, getting out of the house, giving bubs fresh air, settling bubs… Also, the social connection when I go walking with other mums and babies too. It’s a bonus that I can see the preggas fat dropping off too
I agree with you totally Lina. I did a lot of walking when my first child was a baby. It always did the trick if I was having problems getting her to sleep. Quite often, as soon as the stroller stopped moving, she’d wake up!
Great blog. Love walking and can relate to everything you say
Thanks Shaki, I appreciate your feedback.
I love your article on the benefits of walking Hilary. I often go walking with Mum and our dog Bilson first thing on a week day. I don’t always feel like jumping out of bed
But I always feel better once we are walking along. Especially if it’s a beautiful morning!
Thanks Kristy.
Sometimes, having a walking companion can help to keep you motivated. If you know someone is waiting for you early in the morning, you’re less likely to roll over and go back to sleep
!
I agree – walking is great for you and walking on the beach is the best.
As I am not an early morning person my favourite time is the afternoon. I am very lucky to have an extremly time-flexible job so I can go most afternoons for a walk along our lovely beach.
All the benefits of walking come as a great bonus on top of the enjoyment of just being at the beach
Renee @ Personal Fitness recently posted..Second Hand Gym Equipment
Absolutely Renee. If I need to unwind after a busy day, I love being able to kick my shoes off and feel the sand under my feet.
Hello Hilary,
I so love walking!! It is the best form of exercise and clears my head. I love to get out on the beach and walk, and walk, and walk. I can easily walk for two hours once I start. Its the best form of mental exercise as well as a great way to reflect on life! I so miss my beach at Caloundra so I am swimming more and have started using Zumba DVD’s
Cheers
Lisa
Yes, I agree Lisa. Walking is a great way to clear the head.
Hope you get to visit lots of wonderful beaches to walk on during your travels.
Yes, the benefits of walking are wonderful. I’m a big fan of the whole being able to ‘zone out’ and get away from it all. Walking allows me to work things out in my head. By stepping out for a 30 min walk I can often make logical connections with issues, helping me return with a new zest. And I also get the exercise benefits. Bonus.
David Moloney recently posted..Selecting the Best Phone Answering Service- 10 Tips
Sound like some great multi tasking going on there David
Hello Hilary,
What a lovely article about one of my favourite pastimes, walking. Like you I’m up very early, have my Tahitian Noni Juice [30 ml] with a large glass of water and walk briskly around our Tallebudgera hills. I usually am away for just over an hour covering 4-5 Km and using a friend’s vibrating plate exercise machine as part of the routine. Makes me feel great !
Beats a stationery exercise machine PLUS you get to meet some nice neighbours. People who walk are usually very friendly and often love to have a chat.
Cheers
Harry
Harry Lynn recently posted..Taking Off and Landing in the Most Remote Locations
You sound like you’ve got a great routine happening there Harry, and a wonderful way to start your day.
My husband and I have been big walkers since we met and we’ve done our best to pass on the walking passion to our now teenage boys.
It’s such a fantastic way of keeping fit and because it’s low impact there’s less chance of injury – like you say!
Our preference is to walk in the mountains and we’ve been fortunate enough to do this in many parts of the world. But even around Sydney there are amazing harbour, beach and bush walks – all you need is a good pair of walking shoes and some enthusiasm.
Nice article Hilary
Jan Littlehales recently posted..Tuna Pasta with Pesto and Red Capsicum – in Ten Minutes
Sounds like you’ve been lucky enough to enjoy all the benefits of walking in some great places Jan. Yes, it’s a wonderful thing to be able to enjoy as a family.
Hi Hilary
I need to get back into the routine of walking. I go good for a while then for some reason I stop and find it hard to get started again. After reading your post I feel motivated and the dogs will love it.
Some of the benefits you have listed I was not aware of. I have found walking relieves stress and I always sleep well if I have gone for a walk during the day.
Kerry Lea recently posted..South West Rocks