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  • 30 March 2023 | Tips and wellness

    We tend to forget and underestimate the benefits of walking all too often. Because it isn’t a high-intensity sport, people often opt for other, more intense activities, believing that walking won’t bring as many benefits. However, we’re here to remind you otherwise!

    In fact, walking isn’t just an activity, it’s a sport. Although walking involves very mild intensity, it nevertheless puts the cardiovascular system to work. Obviously, the faster you walk, the more your heart is called into action. On top of that, walking provides a host of health benefits, such as

    • Increased energy flow
    • Enhanced memory, mood and sleep quality
    • Better balance and coordination
    • Reduced stress level
    • Stronger immune system
    • Improved cardiovascular health
    • Better control or prevention of various health concerns, such as heart conditions, hypertension or type 2 diabetes
    • Greater overall fitness

    Walking also puts your tendons, muscles, joints and cardiorespiratory system to good exercise.

    Keep this in mind…

    It’s important to maintain good posture during your walks. Your head should be supported, facing forward. Your neck, shoulders and back should be relaxed, rather than tense. Your arms should move in a soft pendulum swing, and your feet should be rolled off the ground with each stride, from heel to toe.

    Although extremely pleasant, the sun isn’t a necessity in order to have fun. In windy conditions, put on a windbreaker. In the rain, don’t forget your umbrella or raincoat. If snow is falling, arm yourself with a scarf and hat. Walking can be fun, regardless of the weather. It may be even more pleasant to wander around in quiet, deserted streets! And remember to wear good, comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

    Tricks & Tips

    • The recommended weekly walking time is 150 minutes at a moderate pace. This can be divided up to your liking (e.g., 30 minutes 5x week). This time can also vary if you practice some other form of physical activity during the week. ⏱
    • Vary your speed, distance and cadence from one ride to another to alter the physical impact of walking on your body. 👣
    • Remember to stay fully hydrated throughout your walks and to bring yourself a snack if needed. 💦
    • Schedule your walks in your weekly diary so you’re bound to get them done. 🗓
    • Being a huge fan of walks myself, I’ve refined techniques over the years to make them more enjoyable while keeping me challenged. These include:
    • Put music in your ears. What can be better than good, upbeat songs or beautiful melodies to accompany you on your walks? 🎶
    • Listen a podcast. Take advantage of a walk to listen to a podcast, whether it’s educational, funny, in the form of an interview or simply about everyday life. 🎧
    • Play an audiobook. For those who love reading, why not try your luck with an audiobook paired with a nice walk? 📖
    • Enjoy a nice drink. Whether it’s a tea, a smoothie, or a hot or iced coffee, pour yourself a delicious drink in a nice thermos mug and sip it as you go! ☕️
    • Bring someone with you! Take the opportunity to reconnect with a friend or family member and chat about everyday life. Even your dog can benefit from this additional time to stretch his legs and play outside, which will make him more than happy! 👫
    • Take this time for you and do some meditation. Either done by yourself or with an app, meditation means disconnecting from the outside world and finding your centre, while paying special attention to your surroundings. 💭
    • Set some goals. Regardless if it is about distance or speed, having a target in mind will keep you motivated. 🎯
    • Try new things. It’s easy to fall into a routine and always ride the same path. Add some diversity by exploring a new part of your neighbourhood. 🛤

     

    To sum up, walking can truly serve as an active pastime, and can even take on a social, meditative or spiritual role. For those days when you want to stay active but lack physical or mental energy for a more intense workout, walking is an excellent substitute. So get dressed and get going!