We live in an era where there’s a trendy new exercise every month. But the benefits of that old standby, walking, shouldn’t be overlooked. “Walking is one of the easiest, most affordable, and most effective types of physical activity that humans can do,” says Mayo Clinic cardiologist Francisco López-Jiménez, MD. And chances are, by the time you finish reading this article, you’ll be inspired to take a walk, too.
What happens when I walk every morning?
This is one of the most Googled questions, and the answer is: “Walking every morning reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), and strengthens the heart,” explains Dalia McCoy, MD, family medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic. “Walking helps the heart be more efficient. As your fitness improves, your heart becomes more effective with each pump you perform for that type of exercise.”
McCoy also says walking helps reduce stress, aids in weight loss, improves the immune system, all while protecting joints, as it is a low-impact exercise. It also reduces the risk of cancer. “Several studies show that doing two-and-a-half to five hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as walking, can help reduce the risk of certain cancers such as colon, breast, endometrial, kidney, liver, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”
When is the best time to go for a walk?
McCoy says there is no ideal time, but she states that walking in the evening can help improve sleep quality. Biologist and scientist Tamara Pazos adds “If we can choose, sunrise and sunset have some extra benefits,” further explaining that when the sun sets, it gives signals to the brain through the eyes telling it that the day is beginning or ending. “This will align with the circadian rhythms in the rest of the body’s organs. Our entire body functions in a rhythmic manner according to our routine, keeping us active during daylight hours and relaxing to allow a good rest at night.”
What effects does walking in the early hours of the day have on mental health?
Spending hours behind the desk can have negative effects on your mental wellbeing. “Walking can help, because it increases your heart rate, reduces your stress levels, and reduces your chances of developing further diseases such as stroke, broken heart syndrome, or cardiomyopathy,” says McCoy. In addition, studies confirm that walking improves mood by releasing endorphins in the body.
How many steps should we take daily?
Depends. “If you’re between 25 and 30, walking 6,000 steps a day is probably too little, while for an 85-year-old person, walking 5,000 steps is fantastic,” says López-Jiménez. “The important thing is that walking is part of your daily routine. Take the stairs, walk the dog, or park your car away from the store entrance,” he adds. All it takes is 15 to 20 minutes a day.
What effects does going for a walk have on blood sugar?
In recent years, we have understood that leveling blood sugar is essential for health. “Blood sugar levels change throughout the day, from high to low, as our bodies try to control the amount of insulin we need. Our goal is to try to keep those blood sugar levels constant, which can
help us avoid feeling thirsty and tired after eating,” explains McCoy. Going for a walk after eating, even just for 5 minutes, can lower blood sugar. “Even people who have diabetes may notice that their blood sugar levels are more stable.”
Regarding this, Pazos adds that: “When sugar circulates through the blood, it is transported to the cells to be used as energy. If there is no energy demand from the cells, this sugar can remain circulating in the blood. However, while on a walk, we are generating a demand for energy that will introduce that sugar into the cells.” End result: Blood sugar levels off, at the same time endorphins are boosted. Exercise-wise, walking is an easy win-win.