Eating right and exercising are two very important thinks when it comes to your wellness. They may seem complicated, but following through and doing them both means you will be healthy. There is something you’re doing every day that can increase your mortality rate if you just change the way you do it. What is it? Walking! A recent study shows that walking faster can help you live a longer life.
Many previous studies have been published on the benefits of walking for exercise. This study done by Paul Williams, Ph.D shows new evidence that walking fast can improve your health and make you live longer. The average mortality rate increase was 2 percent for every mile per minute above the average rate. Over 30,000 recreational walkers participated, those you increased their speed (more miles per minute) increased their mortality rate and help their body fight against hypertension and heart disease. This took place over 9 years and the participants who saw the most results were the walkers who exercised 150 minutes per week.
There are many other health benefits associated with walking besides increasing your mortality rate. Walking for exercise helps you have good form for running and it improves your posture. Unlike like running, there is a lower chance of injuring yourself and destroying your joints. In his past studies Williams has proved that if you run or walk the same number of miles, it is equally as effective at fighting hypertension and depression.
According to National Health Interview Surveys, 62 percent of American adults wake more than 10 minutes day. In order to fully benefit from walking you need to pick up the pace and walk at least 30 minutes a day. Some of the other benefits of walking are it helps you maintain a healthy weight, strengthens your bones, improves your mood, and decreases your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Walking at a brisk pace is also beneficial to your muscles and joints because it circulates body faster throughout your body and decreases muscle inflammation.
Do you prefer running or walking?
I PREFER walking because I’m lazy haha. But I do both. I really like to take my dog for “walk/runs.” We go about 2 miles and sprint one block, fast walk the other. It’s great exercise for both of us.
My body does’t like running, but I love a good walk.