Contrary to what one might think, walking is a very good sporting activity. Practice regularly and at a good pace, it provides the body with great benefits. We will explain everything to you.

Is walking a physical activity?

According to the WHO, physical activity refers to “any bodily movement produced by the skeletal muscles which requires the expenditure of energy. Physical activity refers to all the movements that we perform, particularly during leisure time, at the workplace or to move from one place to another. Physical activity of moderate or sustained intensity has beneficial effects on health.

Thus, theWalking, cycling, playing, etc. are very common ways of practicing a sporting activity.

Walking can be a great alternative to the gym, for those who don’t like machines. The important thing is that the sporting activity is appreciated and adapted to everyone’s level.

Walking, if it is long and regular enough, would then be as beneficial as indoor sport.

Improve your mental health through walking

According to health professionals, walking daily has great health benefits. In fact, this activity would act directly on the circulatory systems and make it possible to :

  • Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke;
  • Lower blood pressure;
  • Reduce blood cholesterol levels;
  • Increase bone density, this helps preventosteoporosis ;
  • Reduce pain linked to osteoarthritis;
  • Relieve back pain.

Walking daily improves general health and increases longevity. According to the report of the Director of the United States Department of Health, walkers live longer and have a better quality of life.

Walking also allowsimprove physical condition, control weight, take care of mental health and accelerate the healing process.

To begin this activity, you should know that it is preferable to do it every day. Indeed, the benefits are cumulative. The farther apart the sessions are, the more the benefits will be reduced.

When it comes to gentle but dynamic activity, it is necessary that the session lasts at least thirty to forty minutes. Finally, walk between 4 and 5 km/h. Slow down when breathing becomes difficult.

Florine Cauchie

Health journalist

June 8, 2024, at 12:10 p.m.

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