You’re starting to lose weight, your energy levels are up and you’re interested in beginning an exercise routine. You see people every day visiting the gym, jogging in the park or biking to work and you wonder how you can get started. You would love to exercise more, but your free time is limited, and it may have been some time since you were active.

The good news is you don’t have to dive into a high-intensity aerobics class or set hours aside a day to make significant improvements to your physical and mental health. A simple exercise, such as walking for 20 minutes each day, can have a lasting impact on your short-term and long-term health. Here are a few health benefits of walking.

Walking Improves Heart Performance

Walking is a cardiovascular exercise, which simply means that it raises your heart rate. As your heart works harder to pump blood to all of your muscles, it becomes stronger. A healthier heart means a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Walking also prevents high blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol levels.

Walking Burns Calories

Walking and weight loss go hand in hand. Walking is less intensive than running, but that doesn’t mean you can’t burn significant calories. Depending on your weight and pace, you can burn anywhere from 75-300 calories by walking for 30 minutes. If you make walking a part of your routine, you can reduce body fat and shed some unwanted pounds. Be sure to take your Thermo-Boost Antioxidant Energy Drink mix with you on walks to help boost your energy and also contribute to your daily water goal!

Walking Boosts Energy and Mood

Walking for fitness can help you sleep better and longer at night. That higher quality sleep can give you more energy for the next day. Walking also improves circulation and increases your brain’s oxygen intake, which leads to alertness and the production of brain chemicals such as serotonin that boost mood and lower your risk of depression. A high-quality vitamin D-3 supplement, such as D-Slim Liquid Vitamin D-3 will aid in better sleep patterns and longer, deeper sleep.

Walking Builds Muscles

While walking and weight loss are often associated, many underestimate the muscle-building benefits of a regular walking routine. As you’re walking, you’re carrying your body weight. And in the process, you’re strengthening and toning your calves, quads and glutes. The next step to building even muscle is walking on an increased incline or for longer durations, when you’re ready.

Walking Lowers the Risk of Disease

We already mentioned heart disease, but walking for fitness lowers the risk of other serious diseases. Walking regularly decreases the risk of diabetes by about 60 percent and some forms of cancer by 20 percent. As you get older, walking can help to preserve your memory and lower the risk of dementia.

Becoming more active and getting into shape is a process. Since walking is one of the most natural exercises you can do, that makes it a great place to start. The long-term health benefits of walking are worth the small effort, and the short-term benefits will have you living a healthier and happier life in no time. Lace up your shoes and let’s get walking!

Resources
• https://www.tescoliving.com/articles/8-reasons-why-walking-is-great-for-your-health
• http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Walking-Your-steps-to-health
• http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/exercise/benefits-of-walking4.htm