The list of possible workouts is endless, with each workout being effective at helping you achieve certain fitness goals. Fitness walking, for example, is a form of exercise that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of ability, strength or fitness level. With only basic equipment, including comfortable clothes and a good pair of shoes, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of fitness walking.
Cardiovascular Endurance
Cardiovascular and respiratory endurance is commonly defined as the ability to gather, process and deliver oxygen to the working muscles during physical activity. As you are fitness walking, your body recruits numerous muscle groups that require oxygen. As a result, your body improves its ability to efficiently transport the oxygen and other nutrients to these muscles to improve your overall fitness level.
Muscular Fitness
With the repetitive motion of leg strides and arm swings, fitness walking is a total body workout. One of the benefits from this total body movement is improved muscular fitness and strength. The fitness walking workouts promote the development of lean muscle tissue that also improves muscular definition and body composition.
Calorie Burn
Fitness walking can complement a weight loss program as an effective way to burn calories and excess body fat. You burn an average of 100 calories per mile, which supports a healthy weight loss program. Focus on walking two miles per day for three days per week to promote weight loss.
Stress Relief
After a hectic day at work, you need to relax and relieve some stress. Fitness walking is an effective tool for relieving the stress and calming down. Even a 30-minute walk can release brain chemicals such as endorphins that improve your mood and energy level. Find a friend or family member to walk with you so you can chat during the workout.
Disease Prevention
A regular schedule of fitness walking can promote health and wellness that helps to prevent chronic diseases. For example, the Mayo Clinic suggests that regular physical activity can prevent diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. Other disease-preventive benefits of fitness walking include managing blood pressure levels and lowering cholesterol.
References
- Mayo Clinic; 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity; Mayo Clinic Staff; July 2009
- The CrossFit Journal; What is Fitness?; Greg Glassman; October 2002
- AARP; Walking: The Easiest Exercise; Martina Navratilova; September 2010
- The Walking Site: Beginning a Fitness Walking Program
- Mayo Clinic Staff; Exercise and Stress: Get Moving to Combat Stress; Mayo Clinic Staff; July 2010
- Cool Walking: Benefits of Walking
Member Comments