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 provides numerous benefits for health and mood, so it is a very good option to include in our routines. Some of its positive effects are:

Helps lose weight

Although it must be accompanied by other types of exercises and a balance 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 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 opt for the morning walk tend to have a better mood, a lower level of anxiety and also reduce the risk of suffering from depression.

Strengthens muscles

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

It’s less hot in the morning

In summer it is important to decide when to go outside, especially in those areas where the heat has a greater impact. The moment of greatest freshness of the environment usually coincides with dawn. Obviously, in autumn or winter you will have to bundle up, but in the hottest months the coolness of the morning is appreciated, which will also prevent us from getting overheated when exercising.

Health benefits

By making the most of the day and its light, our body will receive an extra supply of vitamin D and a substantial reduction in melatonin. Also, according to a study by the 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 percent.

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 in the arms of Morpheus. In addition, several studies have shown that those who opt for a morning lap instead of an afternoon lap sleep better.

Recommendations to follow

If you follow a more or less sedentary lifestyle and want to start walking, it is advisable do it progressively. Start by taking walks of 10 or 15 minutes and gradually increase the time and difficulty of the route. In addition, it is convenient to wear comfortable and specific clothing and footwear 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 carry a bottle of water with you, especially if the heat is tight.

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