and Stay Healthy
Regular physical activity can have a profound and lasting effect on our overall health and sense of wellbeing, and walking, one of the most simple and accessible forms of exercise, is one of the most effective ways to nourish our bodies and improve our bone health.
Not only can walking significantly reduce the risk of many serious medical conditions, but it can also strengthen our bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. For those looking to improve their bone health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, here are some benefits of walking and tips and techniques to get moving.
The Benefits of Regular Walking
- Improved bone density – Walking helps to build bone density, reduce the decline in bone mineral density associated with age, and strengthen the bones; studies have found that a regular walking routine of up to 8km thirteen times a month can reduce the risk of osteoporosis by up to half.
- Lower risk of disease – As well as helping to protect against osteoporosis, regular walking has also been linked to reducing other risks to health, as it can help to lower blood pressure, improve circulation and improve levels of cholesterol.
- Weight control – Walking can help to maintain a healthy weight, as it is the ideal low-impact exercise for burning calories.
- Increased energy – It’s not just our bones that benefit from regular walking; introducing an appropriate walking routine can increase our energy levels, help us to feel positive and get us moving!
Tips and Techniques to Get Moving
- Discover new routes – Breaking away from familiar routes can help to prevent boredom and make your walking routine more enjoyable. Exploring new locations can also make it easier to stay motivated and help to improve your sense of wellbeing.
- Vary your technique – Different techniques can help to strengthen specific areas of the body and improve your muscle tone. Adding a small incline, introducing a faster pace, or introducing skipping and jumping exercises can help to make your walking routine more challenging.
- Set achievable goals – Setting goals such as aiming to walk a certain distance each day or week, or completing a certain number of days in a row can help to stay motivated and ensure that your walking routine is regular.
- Walk with friends or family – Walking with friends or family can help to make your routine more enjoyable, as you can support each other and keep each other motivated.
Overall, introducing a consistent walking routine can provide excellent health benefits, improve your sense of wellbeing and help to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis or suffering any other serious medical condition. With these tips and techniques to get moving, you can start to reap the rewards of regularly walking for your bone health.
Happy walking!
