TED-Ed on the benefits of walking. This animated video discusses research showing that even a modest amount of daily walking can improve your health. An afternoon stroll can improve your mood and assist with anxiety and depression. Walking at a brisk pace is thought to trigger pain-relieving endorphins while curbing the stress hormone cortisol.
Within weeks of adding more steps to your routine, your body adapts. Walking requires the coordination and effort of many muscles. The vessels around these muscles are remodeled to deliver more oxygen from the increased energy demand and your heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood.
In a few months, these changes can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Years of consistent walking can help retain bone density. Carrying the weight of your body as you walk places stress on the bones and stimulates the absorption of calcium and minerals.
A lifelong habit of walking helps with weight management, reducing your risk for type 2 diabetes, and helps with numerous cancers, and even dementia. Walking is an exercise that doesn’t require equipment and is accessible to people of varying ages and fitness levels. Studies show that any increase in steps per day can yield health benefits.
It is a great art to saunter.
