There are many health benefits to exercising and staying active. You don’t need to join a fancy gym or buy the latest equipment to work out on at home. You can simple…take a walk! Walking can have a dramatic impact on your cardiovascular health, the health of your spine, and your muscle definition.
Benefits of walking include:
Eases Joint Pain
Walking regularly can ease pain. Walking strengthens and lubricates the muscles that support the body’s joints. This is very effective at relieving pain in the knees and hips.
Boosts Your Energy Levels
Researchers have discovered that going for a walk can boost a person’s energy levels more than drinking a cup of coffee. You can use the energy boost you gain from walking to live a more active life, which improves the condition of your musculoskeletal system even more.
Aids with Weight Loss and Weight Management
Carrying excess weight can cause significant stress on the spine and increase the risk of back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. When excess weight is present muscles become strained as they must work harder to maintain balance. Walking helps with weight management and weight loss eliminating or reducing the effects of excessive weight.
Strengthens Your Legs
Walking is a fantastic way to strengthen your leg muscles, particularly if you walk in a hilly area or upstairs. Having strong legs can have many benefits including helping you lift heavy items-which reduces the risk of a back injury occurring.
Improves Flexibility and Mobility
As walking increases circulation, flexibility and mobility are enhanced. When combined with a regimen of light stretching, walking can increase flexibility and a better range of motion. This has the added benefits of reducing the risk of injury and improving posture.
The American Chiropractic Association recommends walking to help relieve back pain. It is a low impact exercise and very gentle on the back, burning around 265 calories in 30 minutes. There’s no denying that walking is good for you and very beneficial to overall health.
Walking is an excellent complement to chiropractic care! Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Jeffrey Klein, Klein Chiropractic Center, West Chester, PA.