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By: Adam Que, a fitness trainer, practitioner, former MMA fighter, and writer
Waking up late in the morning has its consequences. You can either skip your whole hygiene routine, devour anything in sight because you know it would provide you with energy, or throw on clothes that you know should be in the dirty laundry bag. Following by barging out of your apartment to be on a shoulder to shoulder status with other New Yorkers on the street or at the subway station.
I’m sure most of you have experienced all of the above. Of course, walking was most likely a big part of the problem since folks are taking Ubers, Lyfts, and cabs to their destinations nowadays. With this rush of stress and the bumps people are facing in life, how could anyone find walking beneficial? Well, it’s no coincidence Walking and Wellness both start with W.
Here are some key benefits of walking:
Prevents Diseases:
According to a review on the C3 Collaborating for Health, walking is an effective way to prevent or reduce the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Photo credit: Daniel Reche via Pexels.com
Helps With Living Longer and Weight Loss:
Walking is also important for the longevity of life. In the same review, there was a case study on the Global Corporate Challenge that recorded 54% of participants who had high blood pressure showed low risk by the end of a 12-week walking challenge. As well as an increase of energy by 71% and a drop of 10% body fat on average for those who had body fat loss. Another case study recorded that 94% of the walkers part of the Heart Foundation Walking group (HFW), the largest free community-based walking group in Australia said, “HFW was essential for their physical well-being.”
Photo credit: Noelle Otto via pexels.com
Mental Health:
Besides the physical benefits of walking, I mainly believe it is amazing for mental health. Dr. Lars Madsen of The MindShift Foundation said, “It increases relaxation and can be equivalent to a sleeping pill, even for people with insomnia.” Walking also reduces stress, anxiety, improves cognitive function and can lift one’s spirit instantly, especially when doing it with friends or loved ones.
photo credit: Pixabay via pexels.com
So besides that gruelly commute, try to incorporate 15 to 30-minute walks throughout your week. Whether you missed a workout, your routine is discombobulated or you feel you’ve been out of whack due to the holidays kicking your butt, get to walking. If you find yourself walking in Downtown Manhattan locations like the Jerry Driscoll Walk, SoHo’s side streets, along The Highline or through Battery Park, take the time to envision a positive perspective and enjoy yourself.
Get to stepping strongly into 2020 to start that first quarter on a healthy foot.
See More:
Squat Thruster: A Building Block
Getting Around NYC Efficiently: Are You Ready to Commute by Bike?