A silver lining to the recent Covid-19 pandemic is the increased time spent on physical well being. With less places to go due to crowds and social distancing, many have turned to outdoor physical activity to assist with managing isolation. One of the most sought after forms of exercise in 2020 has been walking. Read more to find out the benefits of recreational walking, and why you should start if you haven’t already!
Why is Walking Important
Walking has always been a great form of exercise. With unlimited availability, walking is a great way to boost your physical and mental well being. In a society full of isolation, and a lack of normal routine, walking can serve as a huge stress reliever and a way to fill your time. Never before has it been as easy to find time in our lives to fit in exercise. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and the American Heart Association’s recent recommendations include 10,000 steps per day. Scroll down to see additional benefits the world of walking has to offer.
5 Benefits of Walking
Increased Bone Health– Many bone-related injuries affect individuals every year. You have probably heard of some of the major culprits, which include arthritis and osteoporosis. Luckily, one of the best ways to improve bone health and bone integrity is through weight-bearing activity, or activities involving standing. Bone adapts to the stressors placed upon it, including standing, which can help solidify current bone and contribute to increased osteoblast activity, which your body uses to build new bone. This can be a crucial step in slowing down the aging process.
Decreased Stress and Anxiety– With the Covid -19 pandemic, many people are feeling more depressed, anxious, and socially isolated. Getting outside and moving can be a great way to combat these problems. With exercise, endorphins are released, leading to elevated levels of both serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals act as feel-good hormones in your body and can be a great way to help improve your mood. Additionally, it presents another safe open to pandemic socialization, as it is outside and can be done at any distance. We recommend finding a close friend and using a mask!
Longevity– Simply put, walking is an easy form of exercise. It can be a great adjunct to a current workout plan or serve as one in its own right. Every minute spent moving is a minute toward increasing your longevity and lifespan. More time moving means less time sitting, which can contribute to a shorter lifespan. Recent studies have shown that sedentary lifestyles can put people at risk to live on average a minimum of two years shorter than more active individuals.
Increased Time Outside– In addition to walking, more time outside can further increase your feel-good endorphins, aiding mood. Being outside can have other benefits, all of which can help your physical well being. Vitamin D, which humans receive naturally from the sun, is an important part of health and well being. Vitamin D helps out with calcium to form strong bones, which when coupled with the bone benefits of walking make exercising outdoors a great one-two punch! Lastly, being outside in the sun helps normalize your circadian rhythm, which in turn will help your sleep cycle, helping you succeed in getting a restful night’s sleep!
No Equipment Needed– Perhaps the best advantage of walking is accessibility. With the short supply of exercise equipment due to the pandemic, walking is one of the main forms of exercising that can be completed without any equipment! Simply get outside and walk around your neighborhood or local high school track. In a time where a majority of people are finding themselves working from home, it is more plausible to take a quick walk around the neighborhood during lunch. The best form of exercise is one that you can commit to and stay consistent with, and walking is a great start!
Walking can be an easy and accessible way to fight social isolation and stay active. Do not forget to maintain social distancing if not within your current household or social bubble. Also, do not forget a mask to help in the prevention of spread, especially when walking in crowded areas. Now get out there and move!
If you have any questions about this post or would like to speak with a physical therapist about an injury, give us a call at (978) 263-0007. We would be happy to answer any questions and discuss possible next steps.
Achieve Physical Therapy is currently open in Acton, Bedford, and Sudbury MA. We can see you in the office or by video treatment. If you choose to come into the office, we are following all CDC guidelines including the use of face coverings, cleaning, personal hygiene, and staggering patient appointments to limit how many people are in the office.
