Walking is a low-impact exercise that yields high results. It’s a great way to strengthen your muscles, explore your neighborhood or just get out in the sun! To start your day off right, consider a walk.
Here are some of the many benefits of starting your day with a walk!
It Gets Your Heart Rate Up
Walking is cardio. That means it’s good for your heart! Walking reduces your risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary issues. Since walking is a workout, it’s important you have all the essentials.
No-tie laces, neck towels, and no-slip socks are some of the best workout accessories you’ll want to have on hand for any of your walks. This will make your walk easier and help you focus on getting the most out of your walking workout!
It Lets You Charge Up For The Day
A morning walk can help you feel energized and ready to take on the day. Plus, for people who struggle with mental disorders or cognitive issues or who are above a certain age, walking in the morning can improve brain function.
With walking, which is typically considered a low-impact exercise, you can easily improve your mental health and be ready to focus on the day without putting too much strain on your muscles.
Morning Walks Can Serve As Your Warm-up
No matter what other exercises you do, walking is a great warm-up and cool-down to your exercise routine. Since it gets your heart rate up, it’ll help you transition into some more difficult or cardio-focused exercises. Plus, it stretches your leg and arm muscles.
For a cool-down, walking allows you to reduce your heart rate and stretch out your muscles at the end of your workout. It’s also good for clearing your head of anything you might have been stressed about during your workout.
You Can Avoid Excessive Heat During the Day
While you might be tempted to go for a walk on your lunch break, that’s the worst time of day. If you’re sensitive to sunlight, have a chronic breathing condition such as asthma, or aren’t actively hydrated, walking for over 30 minutes during the warmest part of the day (that’s right — lunchtime!), could cause you a variety of health issues.
From asthma attacks to stroke to even heat exhaustion, midday walking is much riskier for your health than walking in the morning or the evening. Morning walks are the best because you’re up before the sun is fully exposed, and there’s typically still some chill in the air to keep you cool. Sunrise is the perfect time to go for a walk!
Morning Walks Might Help You Burn More Calories
Not everyone agrees, but some nutritionists believe that walking in the morning helps you burn more calories. Maybe this is due to the idea that your cortisol levels are highest in the morning, but it could also be related to the idea that you burn more calories before eating.
While highly debated, if you’re someone who’s open to trying new things or taking a unique approach, consider starting your day off with a morning walk! Make sure you dress appropriately for your walk too. Avoid wearing metal jewelry to decrease your risk of ring avulsion.
Instead, wear alternatives such as durable silicone rings that still allow you to complete your commitment to your partner but don’t run the risk of you ruining or losing it on your morning walk!
Be in a Better Mood Throughout the Day
Going for a morning walk can help you be in a better mood throughout the day. Walking releases endorphins, which are part of the brain chemicals that release happy thoughts and feelings from your brain through your body.
When you walk in the morning, you get the chance to experience those feelings throughout the day. This will help to make you a happier, more positive person during the day. Just imagine how much happier you’ll be if you commit to walking every morning!
Improve Your Posture
Since walking has your body standing and typically in the proper posture, you’ll start to feel less cramped in your shoulders, back, and legs. This is especially true if you start stretching before and after your walks!
Many people do yoga along with their walks to serve as their workout. It’s a great way to feel better and look better while standing.
Increase Your Bone Density
Osteoporosis is a common disease many people experience as they get older. As we age, our bones stop producing more bone mass to replace what’s lost during regular wear and tear of our bodies. With walking, you can increase your stamina and ability to bear more of your weight, even with osteoporosis.
In conjunction with some supplements recommended by a medical professional, a morning walk is a major part of the treatment plan for those experiencing osteoporosis or other calcium and bone deficiencies. If you experience osteoporosis, talk with your doctor about whether or not a morning walk is a good treatment for you.
Sleep Better At Night
You might be wondering how walking in the morning can help you at night. Because walking boosts your melatonin levels, it means you’ll experience a better sleep cycle at night.
Instead of having to take melatonin supplements to help you fall asleep at night, you’ll find that you sleep much better and regularly by walking in the morning. Increase your natural circadian rhythm by walking early in the morning!
Conclusion
There are lots of benefits to walking in the morning. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall mental health or simply sleep better at night, a morning walk can help you on your fitness journey.
If you experience health issues, always consult with your doctor first about what type of walking exercises are best for you. No matter what, it’s always important to get up and get moving to improve your life expectancy and your overall health.
