Physiological Benefits of Walking
Quite a few research studies have been done over the last few years showing the benefits of simple exercise done just three times a week, with walking being one of the best forms. Not only does it increase the oxygen flow to brain cells, but weight-bearing exercise, like walking and jogging, is good for the bones. It actually helps prevent calcium loss and thus osteoporosis.
How about those with arthritis? Experts recommend walking in moderation, even if it hurts. Not using arthritic joints causes stiffness which can lead to crippling muscular weakness. As the Arthritis Foundation itself recommends: “get moving.”
Age Limit on the Benefits of Walking?
It’s also quite surprising just who can benefit from simple exercise. The answer is: people of all ages, from youngsters to the elderly. Recent research studies of nursing home residents suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s showed not only a lessening of their decline, but in some cases actual improvement in physical and cognitive ability. In one facility in particular, some residents improved so much from exercising just three times a week that they actually checked themselves out and were able to live on their own again.
How Nature Enhances the Benefits of Walking
Another study showed that the benefits of exercise are increased when it takes place in green spaces. The participants’ mental health showed significant improvement when they exercised for just five minutes every day in an open green space, like a park. The benefits included improvement in their mood and self-esteem as well as physical health.
Nature is not only beautiful, it’s good for you. Walking along creeks, rivers and waterfalls is even more potent. Other studies have demonstrated that moving water creates negative ions which have a positive effect on people’s moods and even energy levels.
So go ahead and enjoy your dose of nature: take a walk!
