Imagine getting returns on your investment, in the neighbourhood of 30% or greater. I’m referring to returns that will lead to improvement in your health and life expectancy. It’s walking.
Exercise is life changing, even possibly lifesaving. It lowers inflammation in the body, likely lowering the risk of certain cancers. Stroke patients show improvements in cognitive ability, including memory, attention, and executive function. Chemotherapy patients improve lung and heart fitness, helping to overcome the devastating effects from the treatment and return to normal life more quickly.
And walking is the simplest form of exercise. It’s effective, inexpensive, and convenient.
Walking has been proven to lower your blood glucose levels, a positive outcome for diabetics. It can strengthen your heart by lowering your blood
pressure. It can improve your bone density.
Walking can improve your balance, as falling is one of the leading causes of mortality in older adults. It can improve your sense of wellbeing, giving you a positive outlook on life.
Studies show that one hour of walking per week increases life expectancy in people aged 85 and older. Walking 10 minutes a day is shown to lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 40% over those who are inactive.
A vigorous walking pace is even better. In a recent study of over 70 000 adults in the UK, just 54 minutes of vigorous exercise per week lowered the risk of early death from any cause by 36%, and the chances of getting heart disease by 35%.
The study showed that a tough, short workout improves blood pressure, shrinks artery-clogging plaques, and boosts your overall fitness. Even 8
minutes a day walking at a pace that makes you huff and puff is beneficial.
In my experience, foot pain is the greatest limiting factor for why my patients don’t go for a walk. If you have pain in your feet or legs, make an
appointment to have an assessment with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. We can explain why you are experiencing pain, and offer you solutions like custom orthotics, appropriate footwear and fitting advice, and exercises to improve your foot and core strength and your flexibility.