Why walk? Here are some super fun reasons to get out there

Here's why you should be walking more:

Peace of mind

• According to a study done by the Duke University Medical Center, a brisk 30-minute walk or jog around a track three times a week was just as effective as antidepressant medication in relieving the symptoms of major depression in middle-aged and elderly people. 

• Walking helps you maintain a positive outlook and can even make you feel younger, that’s according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

• Researchers found that the foot's impact during walking sends pressure waves through the arteries that significantly modify and can increase the supply of blood to the brain.

• The Mayo Clinic also has evidence that exercise positively affects the levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. 

Spring Walk Body!

• Walking one mile a day burns 100 calories. You could lose five kilograms in a year without changing your eating habits.

• The experts agree, walk 6,000 steps a day to improve your health, and 10,000 to lose weight.

• The University of Tennessee in Knoxville study with pedometers revealed that women who averaged more than 10,000 steps a day had 40% less body fat and waist and hip measurements that were four to six inches narrower than those who averaged fewer than 6,000 steps.

•  A recent Harvard study shows that walking at a moderate pace (3mph) for up to 3 hours a week — or 30 minutes a day — can cut the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 40%. 

• The October 20, 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that one hour of brisk walking every day can cut a woman's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in half.

• The Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who walk in their 30s and 40s can greatly reduce their risk of breast cancer.  

Good for the planet! 

• Don’t drive to get bread at the Spar next to your house. Avoiding just 16 kilometres of driving every week would eliminate 227 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions a year!

• You could also save yourself some petrol money by walking to the shops.

Some inspiration…

• Regardless of your fitness level or age, walking is one activity that can be enjoyed by pretty much everyone.

• Group walks are great for the soul - rid yourself of any anxieties while having a good old chat along the way!

• It's the easiest way to add some physical activity to your day, you can even earn vitality points for walking!

Also See:  Study reveals surprising health benefits of walking barefoot

Winter is so last season, join us for the Discovery Jacaranda FM Spring Walk on the 8^th of September at Loftus Versfeld - it’s going to be a lot of fun! 

Register here: