Walking As An Exercise

Biologically, exercise and walking should be a part of our daily routine. But owing to the increasing dependence on technology and with the changing nature of our daily lifestyle, we have started using assistance for the simplest of activities in our daily life. In the medieval period, people were involved in activities like hunting, soldiering, animal husbandry, and weaving which provided enough mobility to their joints and helped them keep themselves fit and healthy. But with increasing white collar jobs, technology driven lifestyle and dependence on help for activities such as washing and cooking, we are making our bodies weak and unfit.
Walking is an exercise in which you don’t have to go the gym or use expensive equipments. It is the best mode of local transportation without harmful emissions. Further, walking acts as a tranquilizer without drugs. It can be the best psychotherapy without the need of a couch and an inexpensive mode of rejuvenation. Walking is a kind of moving meditation and a great stimulant to the mental activity that is accessible to all ages and economic groups. Most importantly, walking is a symphony of body movement which has a phenomenal impact on the mind and soul.

Walking perhaps is the best mode of spending time with friends, children and family, which is otherwise not possible in today's hectic life schedule.

Walking can be done anywhere anytime, both alone and with a companion. This easy exercise aids in weight loss, strengthening of bones, and also lessens the degree of severity of osteoporosis (the disease of bone-thinning that commonly occurs in older, inactive people). Since walking imparts very less strain to the lower back, hips, knees, ankles and feet, it is more grounded and balanced as compared to others forms of physical exercise and henceforth more safe for all ages.
 Walking has many benefits associated with it. The most important of all is that it’s the easiest form of exercise to stay fit. Walking helps in burning calories. Walking around helps a person get exposed to the beautiful natural surroundings and take a relaxing break from the routine activities. It is the only natural physical activity to mobilize your joints. Pipe in an audio while taking a walk and relax yourself.

Unlike other forms of exercise, you don’t need special equipments or a special corner, you can fit it into your day by changing few habits like walking your dog or walking down to a canteen rather then eating at your desk. Walk around while chatting on phone or gossiping with a friend. The health benefits of walking are just plentiful.

Walking is a bench mark of a low-intensity workout. Walking would first burn your calories and then burn off the fat. If you want to lose a few pounds and build up lean muscle mass, then walking is a better option as compared to jogging or aerobic exercise. Walking burns off around 5 to 8 percent of protein, 70 percent of carbohydrates and 15 percent of fat.
 Source:Medindia