Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Benefits of Walking...


Good Morning Friends,

      I want to share a little bit with you about the benefits of walking. Not running, just brisk walking. If I am tired or sleepy and feeling lethargic in my mind and body, I just throw on my walking shoes and head out the door for a quick brisk walk around the block. I always come back feeling energized and upbeat. Walking is so gentle on your body and there is much less chance of injury, as opposed to running. Walking saves tons of money in gym fees. You can walk virtually anywhere, and if you feel you do not have the time to workout, statistics have proven that three 10 minute brisk walks is equivalent to a full 30 minute workout. Many studies have shown that walking regularly improves sexual stamina, especially in women between the ages of 45-55, with improved sexual satisfaction reported.
      Walking can get you off medications, as studies have shown that those who walk regularly are less likely to take drugs for pain. Many studies have shown that sufferers of fibromyalgia reported much less pain after walking for several weeks. I can attest to this one, as I suffer from fibro. It is amazing how much walking as improved my quality of life. The key is to walk consistently. It is very beneficial to walk longer distances at least once a week. Walking will help you to feel less tired and is a natural high for those suffering from depression. It raises the level of serotonin in the brain.
         Many studies have shown that walking helps women beat breast cancer and have a higher survival rate than those women who are sedentary. Walking reduces chance of stroke in both men and women, so studies have shown.  Many statistics have shown that walking actually reduces chance of dementia. So you can see that walking has many benefits toward good mental and physical health. If you are like me, I prefer walking to running, and the more you walk the more calories you burn. I suggest you find several different walking routes, to keep you motivated and less likely to become bored of routine. I not only listen to music during my walks, but I also listen to favorite talks and Indian sanskirt mantras I like. You can listen to an audio book or you may prefer to walk in silence and just listen to the sounds of nature. Mindfulness walking is a wonderful way to meditate and exercise, by just focusing your attention on your feet and the path directly in front of you, although I suggest you only do this in an area that is completely safe to do so.
      So let's put on our walking shoes and get our big fat glorious bodies out there and get to walking! If you are anything like me , this fat is seriously cramping my style!

Love and Light,
Nirvani

2 comments:

  1. I began walking back in the early 80's. I found it to be very relaxing. I would go to the high school track field and walk. I kept it up for several years. I would have time to think and refocus on many things. I even walked at work with co-workers.

    I also kept up the walking when my mother passed down her tread mill to me....regretting not having it available now...because I prefer to do my workouts in my own home. Walking outside is great if the weather permits......walking is wonderful exercise...keeps us moving..and though I do not strive to maintain a weight...I have to stay fit due to my immune systems...and as an older women...have to think about those bones...ugh...and retaining muscle mass.........so Nirvani...be thankful you are a full figure women.....you have strong bones! Us thin boned women....we do not....

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