Walking is an easy thing to take for granted. We walk thousands of steps each day without really thinking about it – but walking is a crucial element to any exercise regimen, and the perfect gateway to better health overall. And, thankfully, more people are doing it more regularly.
According to recent polling from no win no fee solicitors National Accident Helpline, people have indicated a shift towards walking as their main mode of transport – with 3.4% more people intending to walk more regularly, against 2.5% less people using cars. These statistics are promising when it comes to public health – but why exactly is walking a positive addition to any exercise regime?
A Good Form of Light Cardio
For one, walking is a form of cardiovascular exercise – just one that requires less effort than running or swimming. Walking regularly can increase your heart rate without taxing it, encouraging blood flow, and in so doing reducing your long-term risk of heart disease.
Walking also encourages movement and travel. Where jogging and running can often be relegated to the gym treadmill, walking is best done in the great outdoors. Whether you are exploring your city or taking yourself off on a rural hike, walking can be a powerful way to improve your mental health. Not only does exercise produce endorphins, but exploring new places can keep you engaged and in the moment – improving your mood as a result.
A Boon for the Environment
There is also, of course, a tangible societal benefit to walking. If going for a walk means you leave your car at home, your walk has significantly reduced your carbon footprint. Making walking a habit can help you create a more sustainable way of living – one which, if adopted by more people, could have a positive and measurable impact on the environment!
Walking more can also inspire local governments to invest more in ‘walkable cities’, leaving behind car-friendly infrastructure and resulting in the creation of green urban spaces. Walking can not only make you healthier, but make your city nicer to live in.
Incorporating Biking
When talking about environmental benefits, it is difficult not to mention the humble bicycle. Indeed, the same National Accident Helpline survey revealed that since before the coronavirus pandemic, use of bicycles had increased by nearly a quarter.
Bicycles engage different muscle sets than walking, and require more effort – making them a more intense form of cardio. Their benefits are equivalent to walking, though they are not without their risks. Be sure to wear a helmet if you do decide to bike instead of walking.