Taking the first steps back to health

Walking has numerous health benefits and is often one of the first exercsies we “prescribe” for acute low back pain. The benefits extend far beyond injury recovery.

Cardiovascular Health:
Research consistently shows that regular walking improves heart health. Brisk walking reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels (1).

Weight Management:
Long-term, consistent walking can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.(2)

Muscle and Bone Strength:
Weight-bearing exercises like walking help increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Walking also strengthens the muscles in the legs, hips, and lower back. It has been shown to reduce the risk of fractures in older adults.(3)

Balance and Coordination:
Walking can improve balance, coordination, and stability, which is especially beneficial in reducing the risk of falls among the elderly.(4)

Lung Function:
Moderate aerobic exercise like walking increases lung capacity and helps improve respiratory function, especially in people with chronic conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (5)

A brisk 30-minute walk can burn about 150 calories.

  • Mood Improvement:
    Walking has been proven to boost mood through the release of endorphins. Walking helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, with regular walking improving mental well-being. (7)
  • Cognitive Function:
    Walking improves cognitive function, memory, and attention, especially in older adults. Walking stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with memory. (8)

A 10- to 20-minute walk can significantly lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress (6)

  • Creativity:
    Walking can improve creativity and problem-solving abilities. Studies have shown that walking, particularly in natural outdoor environments, encourages creative thinking. (9)
  • Improved Sleep:
    Regular physical activity like walking can improve sleep quality, particularly in people who struggle with insomnia. It helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, leading to deeper and more restorative sleep.(10)

References

  1. American Heart Journal (2013)
  2. Journal of Physical Activity and Health (2012)
  3. Osteoporosis International (2007)
  4. The Journal of Aging and Physical Activity (2011)
  5. Chest Journal (2024)
  6. Pyschology of sport and exercise (2005)
  7. Mental Health and Physical Activity 
  8. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2014)
  9. The Journal of Experimental Psychology :Learning, memory and cognition (2014)
  10. Sleep Health (2015)

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