Walking is a terrific approach to getting moving and boosting physical activity in your daily routine. It’s simple, energizing, free, and light on your joints. Besides; done consistently, morning walks have been shown to have immense benefits for mental and physical health.
However, for many, waking up in the morning for some exercise may not be a priority. But walking in the morning be it to the grocery or round the park can benefit you a lot. Reading on for science-backed benefits of walking in the morning.
Improve Your Health With These Science-Backed Benefits of Walking in the Morning
Walking is now a popular form of exercise since it is easy to start and adhere to. In 2018 alone, 111 million people stated that they started walking as a way of staying fit.¹ Here are the benefits you will get by adding walking to your morning routine.
It Boosts Your Energy
Beginning your day with a brisk walk will help you feel more energetic throughout the day especially if you walk outside and in nature. Studies have shown that people who walk outside experience more energy compared to their indoor walking counterparts.
Walking boosts your energy by improving blood circulation. With more blood circulation, more oxygen is delivered into your system. In addition, walking triggers several hormones such as cortisol which also raises energy levels.
So, whenever you feel fatigued upon waking in the morning, all you need to do is lace up your shoes and walk around the block. But to experience everyday energy, consider adding walks to your daily morning routines.
It Minimizes Muscle and Joint Pains
Muscle stiffness and joint pain can happen to anyone due to stress, tension, age, and minor injuries. As a result, you may find it difficult to get off the bed in the morning or engage in intense workouts leading to more inactivity. Unfortunately, further inactivity will only worsen the situation.
This is where walking comes in handy since it is easy on the joints. Walking will further protect your joints by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that surround the joints. Aside from walking, you can also boost recovery from muscle and joint pains through cryotherapy sessions.
It May Help You Avoid Weight Gain
Physical inactivity coupled with unhealthy eating is the major cause of weight gain and obesity. If you are trying to avoid adding on pounds, walking in the morning is a good way to achieve your fitness goals. Besides, it can help you burn calories, especially when combined with nutrition.
Better yet, walking can help you get in shape and enjoy a better-looking you. Also, practices like ultrasonic cavitation can help you address stubborn fat areas so you can get the best out of your walking efforts.
It Helps Protect Your Heart
Starting your day with a walk is the easiest way to keep your heart healthy and avoid high blood pressure. In reality, the Heart Foundation found that engaging in a 30-minute walk on average can reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke by 35%.²
The heart is a muscle and exercise has proven to strengthen muscles. When you walk briskly, you increase your heartbeat which gets the heart to pump faster. Subsequently, you will enjoy better blood circulation, reduced blood pressure, and ultimately, a healthier heart.
It May Inspire You to Make Healthier Food Choices Throughout the Day
Since walking in the morning raises your energy levels, you will feel less sleep-deprived. Subsequently, you will be inclined towards eating healthier meals. On the flip side, when you are feeling tired with low energy, it is easy to snack for an energy boost.
Although such snacks can boost your energy, the energy is short-lived. Besides, unhealthy snacks trigger bad eating habits and may lead to unwanted weight gain.
Incorporate Morning Walking Into Your Daily Routine to Get the Above Benefits of Walking
According to science, walking regularly in the morning can boost your energy levels, lower muscle and joint pains, aid in weight management, and protect your heart. Walking is an excellent morning activity to engage in especially if you are not into intense exercise.
Links to Sources Used
- Walking trends https://www.myshortlister.com/insights/walking-statistics
- Benefits of walking https://www.myshortlister.com/insights/walking-statistics
