Health Matters: Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise

Walking is something that comes extremely natural to human beings. It is probably one of the most underrated forms of exercise.
Personal Trainer Joe PattersonPersonal Trainer Joe Patterson
Personal Trainer Joe Patterson

It is so simple, yet when we are told to specifically walk and put a mindful effort in it becomes a chore.

Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. This doesn't mean you have to pick up speed walking, simply put, you can begin making a difference by putting your shoes on and walking to the shop. Then to top up the daily count, changing habits such as parking your car right in front of the supermarket, instead park a little further away and the accumulation of time walking can almost feel seamless yet so beneficial.

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There are other benefits associated with walking such as it making you happy. A good way of looking at it is that you are disconnecting to reconnect with yourself.

Walking picture. Walking picture.
Walking picture.

In a world where technology is king, for us to go outside seems almost abnormal but in fact, we have been designed to go out, socialise, hunt and gather. So in 21st century terms, we can go for a walk with family or friends (in your support bubble), search for a nice route and then gather some thoughts and ideas on what to have for tea after you have built up a healthy appetite from venturing out.

The cost is effort, nothing in life is technically for free, but putting in a small amount of effort into walking can lead to huge benefits and in all honesty with the gyms being closed and many places unfortunately being closed. This sum of effort what we should be putting into ourselves is and always will be worth it. Whether that's for you to have a break from the screens of technology, to cool off from an argument or to simply see the scenery of what the hills of Sheffield hold for our eyes.

Get your trainers or boots on and go for a walk, you’ll be amazed at what you may discover. To assist your journey, I recommend downloading for FREE ‘OS Maps’ it has pre-planned routes for you to follow within your limits and it gives you a guide even when you do not have any signal.

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