The Ultimate Guide to Walking for Health: Avoiding Common Mistakes and Maximizing Benefits

2024-02-24 15:28:23

Going for a walk regularly offers a number of health benefits that go beyond simply staying fit. This activity is an effective form of cardiovascular exercise that helps strengthen the heart and improve blood circulation.

In addition, it also helps maintain a healthy weight and control blood glucose levels, which is especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. However, there are a number of mistakes that people can make when trying to obtain any benefit in health of this practice.

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One of the most common mistakes is to underestimate the importance of warming up. Some may go straight out for a walk without prior warm-up exercises, which increases the risk of muscle and joint injuries.

Another common mistake is not setting realistic goals. Some people may try to walk too long distances or at too fast a pace from the beginning, which can lead to excessive fatigue or even injury. It’s important to set achievable goals and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your walking over time.

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It is essential to wear comfortable and appropriate walking shoes that provide the necessary support and fit the foot correctly.

Experts also point out that poor posture is another common mistake when walking. There are those who may slouch or swing their arms inappropriately, which can cause discomfort in the back or other parts of the body. Maintaining proper posture, with your back straight and shoulders relaxed, is crucial to preventing injuries and maximizing the benefits of exercise.

Additionally, many people neglect hydration during hiking. Although walking may not be as strenuous as other types of exercise, it is still important to stay well hydrated, especially in hot weather or during long walks.

For specialists, it is essential to pay attention to suitable footwear. Wearing inappropriate shoes for walking can cause blisters, foot pain, and even muscle injuries. It is essential to wear comfortable and appropriate walking shoes that provide the necessary support and fit the foot correctly.

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Beyond the physical benefits, Frédéric Gros, Professor at the University of Paris, explains that walking provides peace, fulfillment and union with nature. Psychologist Sandra Farrera Sabioncello explains in TopDoctors that walking is an extremely important exercise.

“It helps keep the cardiovascular system active and promotes the elimination of cholesterol that is harmful to the body. Likewise, walking increases resistance to effort and makes us tired less and later. It activates us mentally and physically, since it favors the release of serotonin and endorphins that generate well-being. Walking also promotes concentration, imagination and is an exercise that we can do alone or in company,” says Farrera Sabioncello.