Benefits of starting the day with a walk

Walking is a way to keep fit and not fall into sedentary habits. Although it is advisable to accompany it with a more complete exercise, starting the day with a walk offers many benefits for health and mood, so it is a very good option to include in our routines. Some of its positive effects are:

Helps to lose weight

Although it must be accompanied by other types of exercises and a balanced dietWalking for half an hour can burn up to 150 kilocalories, which will lead to weight loss. This figure can increase if the pace increases or if the walk has a good level of incline.

Improves mood

By starting the day in an active way, stress is reduced and the level of self-esteem is improved. People who go for the morning walk tend to have better moods, lower anxiety levels and also reduce the risk of suffering from depression.

Walking is one of the five basic exercises to keep in shape

Strengthens the muscles

By walking every day, the leg muscles will be strengthened. If you want to improve the results, it is recommended to walk at a moderate speed, to walk on inclined areas and to combine it with other exercises for the legs and with going up and down stairs.

It’s cooler in the morning

In summer, it is important to decide when to go out, especially in areas where the heat has a greater impact. The time of greatest environmental coolness generally coincides with dawn. Obviously in the fall or winter you will need to bundle up, but in the warmer months the cool mornings are appreciated which will also prevent us from overheating when exercising.

Health Benefits

By making the most of the day and its light, our body will receive an additional supply of vitamin D and a substantial reduction in melatonin. Also, according to a study by world heart federationWalking 30 minutes a day at a brisk pace five days a week increases life expectancy and reduces cardiovascular risk by up to 11%.

promotes sleep

A morning walk can help you fall asleep at night. Getting up earlier will make us arrive more tired at the last hour of the day and we will fall exhausted into the arms of Morpheus. Additionally, several studies have shown that those who opt for a morning lap instead of an afternoon lap sleep better.

Recommendations to follow

If you lead a more or less sedentary life and want to start walking, it is advisable do it gradually. Start with 10 or 15 minute walks and gradually increase the time and difficulty of the course. In addition, comfortable and specific clothing and shoes should be worn to avoid chafing the skin.

The hydration is another fundamental pillar. You should drink at least one glass of water before starting the walk and another at the end, and it is advisable to take a bottle of water with you, especially if the heat is tight.

Finally, it is always more pleasant to walk in company. Although sometimes it is only good for us to reflect and disconnect, it can also be a good opportunity to spend more time with friends and family.