Health Benefits of Morning Walk: Taking a morning stroll is one of the healthiest habits that we can incorporate into your daily routine. When we wake up in the morning, moving may not be on our priority as all we want to do is rest more. But surprisingly, going on a morning walk after waking up has an abundance of benefits that can help in achieving a healthy mind and body. Walking is a low-impact cardio exercise that can increase your life expectancy by two hours, states WebMD. Here are some amazing benefits of a morning walk that will make you incorporate it into your daily routine.
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1. Boosts Immunity
According to Harvard University, a morning walk can boost the immune function of an individual. Walking can help protect you during cold and flu season. A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less.
2. Joint Support
When we walk our joints squish together. WebMD states that this movement and compression open them to get joint fluid. This further allows more oxygen and nutrients to get into your joints, which helps them work and feel better.
3. Strengthens Muscles
Morning walks not only provide strength to your joints but also strengthen your muscles. It can help tone your legs and abdominal muscles, which further enhances motion and improves your overall strength and health. The pressure of moving is also shifted from your joints to your muscles.
4. Improves Mood
Walking is similar to exercise which can potentially reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. When you adopt the habit of regular morning walks, it enhances the release of endorphins, hormones which stimulate relaxation and promote a better mood. The physiological benefits of morning walk include improved mood, self-esteem, reduced stress, anxiety, fatigue and reduces risk of depression.
5. Weight Loss
According to Mayo Clinic, physical activity, such as walking, is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories. If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine, you could burn about 150 more calories a day. Of course, the more you walk and the quicker your pace, the more calories you'll burn.
6. Heart Health
When you start your day with a morning walk, it helps in improving blood circulation and lowers blood pressure, which further benefits heart health. Walking can be one of the best and most effective exercises for heart health.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)