The 17 Benefits of Walking on the Mind and Body

Walking isn't just a way to get from point A to point B – it's a game-changer for your metabolism and weight loss journey. Forget the complexities of high-intensity workouts or weightlifting; sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. 

The Many Benefits of Walking 

At BodySlims, we've witnessed countless success stories fueled by the simple power of walking. So, why do we swear by this simple activity? Well, here are seventeen reasons. 

1. The Mind-Body Connection

Walking isn't just about shedding pounds (though it really does move the scale!); it's a holistic journey that nourishes both your body and mind. The mental shift it triggers can be as significant as the physical transformation. 

Believe it or not, walking can stimulate the growth of new brain cells, fostering creativity, improving your mood, and reducing stress. As you move, your body releases those magical endorphins that make you feel good, setting the stage for positive change.

But it doesn't stop there. Walking can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, safeguarding your mental agility as you age. It's a tangible demonstration of the deep connection between your mind and body, which is why walking is an integral part of BodySlims' holistic approach to weight loss. By nurturing your mind through walking, you pave the way for your body to follow suit, accelerating your progress and well-being.

2. Heart Health on the Move 

Walking is a simple yet powerful way to get your heart pumping. It enhances blood circulation and strengthens your heart, ultimately lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Given that heart disease is a leading global cause of death, this simple daily habit really does become a life-saver.

3. Mood Elevator 

Have you ever noticed how a brisk walk can instantly brighten your day? As we've mentioned earlier, walking has a knack for releasing those feel-good endorphins, leaving you with a sense of positivity, even if it's just a short stroll. Walking in the morning can kickstart your day on the right note, setting a positive mood that can last all day. Exposing yourself to the morning sunlight can also help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, leading to better sleep quality and ensuring you wake up refreshed and energized.

4. Sleep’s Best Friend

Speaking of sleep, if you want to sleep like a baby, moving your body during the day, especially through walking, is your best bet. Walking can enhance sleep quality, reduce nighttime wakefulness, and combat daytime fatigue. And the sunlight exposure further supports your body's internal clock, making sleep come more naturally.

5. Shield Against Chronic Ailments

But the health benefits of walking can extend far into the future. Walking is your daily armor against chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. In the long run, it can potentially extend your healthy lifespan, granting you more quality time with loved ones and allowing you to engage in the activities you cherish. It's not just about today; it's an investment in your future health and longevity.

6. Strengthened Bones

For women, in particular, maintaining or enhancing bone density becomes crucial as you age. Walking, surprisingly, provides the necessary stimulation your bones need to stay strong and may help prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Walking is the force that triggers your body to build new bone or repair existing bone, ensuring better bone density maintenance and fewer declines.

7. Strengthened Bones

Walking, especially in the morning, can be the spark that ignites your metabolism, keeping it firing on all cylinders throughout the day. Whether you walk for weight loss or maintenance, it's a formidable caloric burner that can ramp up your metabolic rate. Walking also helps build and maintain major muscle groups, which is associated with an improved metabolic rate. In other words, it makes your weight goals more achievable.

8. Increased Muscle Strength

Forget the gruelling gym sessions; walking is your ticket to stronger muscles. Engaging major muscle groups like the hamstrings and core, walking builds and maintains muscle mass effortlessly.

9. Stress Reduction

And when stress weighs heavy on your shoulders, nature's remedy awaits just outside your door. A simple walk breathes fresh air into your lungs, lifting the burdens of anxiety and tension. Trust us; those endorphins you get will make you feel rejuvenated and make you want to make it a daily occurrence.

10. Boosted Immune System

But there's more to walking than meets the eye. A very simple benefit, but walking can be your shield against the common cold and flu by giving you a daily dose of immunity that keeps you upright and active. Just another reason to motivate yourself to go for that daily walk; it’ll keep you out of bed more often than not.

11. Joint Flexibility

For those battling painful joint conditions, walking is a gentle, low-impact ally, improving flexibility and mobility while reducing stiffness and enhancing joint range of motion through increased blood flow. 

12. Improved Digestion

But the benefits don't stop there. It's not just about the steps; it's about what comes after. Walking post-meals improves digestion, reduces gas, and helps manage blood sugar levels. Take a stroll after lunch or dinner, making it a daily habit that your digestive system will thank you for.

13. Increased Energy Levels 

Have you ever felt that afternoon slump hit hard? Go out for a walk. In minutes, you'll feel the endorphin rush and find yourself invigorated, ready to tackle the rest of your day.

14. Better Posture

And let's not forget about posture – that silent hero of everyday health. In a world of screens and sedentary lifestyles, walking stands tall as your natural remedy, warding off the dreaded back pain and promoting proper alignment.

15. Social Interaction

But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of walking is its social element. Picture this: a leisurely stroll with friends or family, laughter echoing through the park as you catch up on life's adventures. It's movement and connection intertwined, a win-win for body and soul.

16. Longevity

As you stride forward, know this: you're not just extending your steps; you're extending your years. Walking enhances longevity, ensuring you live well and live long, free from the grip of disease.

17. Weight Loss

And last, but by no means least, walking is guaranteed to help you with weight loss. Walking is a low-impact workout, meaning we work at about 60-70% of our max heart rate, and within a 1-hour walk, calorie burn for the average person can fall between 200 to 300 calories. Alongside a controlled diet, this can make a huge difference as you progress toward your weight loss goals. After all, weight loss requires some kind of calorie deficit, and walking can help you do that.

How Long Does It Take to See Results from Walking?

Well, if you walk 20 minutes a day, you won’t make an impact on your cardiovascular health, your joints, your digestion, or any of the other things we mentioned above, but it will make an impact on your endorphins. These endorphins will give you that feel-good feeling, and the next day you’ll see you can do more, and you’ll see that you actually want to do more.

When you start to feel this, it means you’re starting to break the pattern. And when you start to break the pattern, you see that you can walk for longer. At that point, you’re starting to change your bad habits, dropping “the weather is bad” or “I just don’t like walking” excuses, and without realising it, you’re installing new, healthy ones.

Now, weight loss results rely on the breaking of these habits. And there is an actual science to it. It is said that it takes 66 days to get rid of a bad habit and ingrain new ones. And that’s why the BodySlims programme is the length it is - 70 days. We work with you to change these habits and get you in the weight loss zone, so in the end, these everyday behaviours become second nature. Then, in addition to weight loss, all of these other benefits of walking fall in line and all those poor excuses fall away. 

Ready to Experience the Power of Walking? 

With walking every day, weight loss is almost inevitable. But when you combine BodySlims and walking, the results are guaranteed. Follow in the footsteps of some of our amazing success stories and become a better, healthier you.

Remember, the only person standing in your way is you, so let you be the you you were always meant to be, and sign up for BodySlims today!