If there’s one vigorous habit that you should keep up, it’s walking in the morning. A good morning walk can keep you emotionally, mentally and physically healthy. If walks aren’t for you, this article may just change your mind!
A 30-minute walk every morning can be life-changing, especially if you’re suffering from health conditions like obesity, heart disease or diabetes. This exercise is still easy on the joints, and the fresh air can help calm your nerves, improve your mood and keep you feeling more positive and energized for the day ahead.
Why Should you Walk in the Morning?
The first reason you should walk in the morning is that the air has the least amount of pollution in it at that time. This gives you direct access to the fresh oxygen you need to help your cells perform all their functions properly, which will, in turn, reduce the risk of disease. The second reason is that morning air has a lot of negative ions to make the oxygen negatively charged. In layman’s terms, the more negative ions there are, the easier it is to breathe. You’ll start to feel more rejuvenated, and you’ll find yourself in a pleasant state of mind. The air is even more fresh if you’re near natural features like a beach, forest or waterfall, which is one of the reasons we feel great after returning from a vacation.
What do you Need for a Morning Walk?
There’s not much that you need to walk in the morning, but consider the following:
– Fit band (this is to track your heartbeat)
– Water bottle.
– Hairband.
– T-shirt
– Compression shorts or leggings.
– Walking shoes.
Benefits of a Morning Walk
Here are some of the benefits a morning walk can give you:
Reduces the risk of cancer. According to experts, a 30-minute morning walk may ward off some types of cancers. Furthermore, as always, increased exercise give the body more immunity.
Relieves depression. Research shows that people suffering from depression find relief when walking in the morning.
Controls cholesterol. Having a morning walk helps maintain a well-regulated cholesterol level. It also helps reduce bad cholesterol.
Prevents strokes. Since morning walk helps keep the heart healthy and strong, they can help prevent strokes.
Inhibits Osteoporosis and Arthritis. Recent studies suggest that vigorous and moderate physical activities like walking may help relieve arthritis pain. Furthermore, a walk can also help relieve stiffness and give you more energy.
Aids with Weight Loss. One of the major causes of death is obesity. You can overcome this by walking in the morning, as it strengthens the heart and allows you to work out without getting exhausted.
Helps strengthen the heart. Of course, if you have a heart disease, you shouldn’t do any strenuous exercise. However, a walk is perfectly fine, and it can even help build up your heart strength and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Reduces the risk of diabetes. Research states that a morning walk can tame various metabolic disorders and improve blood sugar levels.
Tips for a Morning Walk
– If you’re just beginning, don’t push yourself. Stay at a pace you’re comfortable with.
– Do not drink too much water during the walk, as this may harm the respiratory system. Do make sure to stay hydrated, though.
– Do not go for a morning walk if you have just finished eating, as it will affect the flow of digestive juices.
– If you want to burn more fat, you can walk a bit faster. This will be more effective than slow walks.
– Make sure you have good posture while you’re walking. This can help tone your abs!
