With the advancements in medicines and life saving drugs and technology, our average life spans are increasing and we are all living longer and thus it becomes all the more important for us to keep ourselves fit and healthy even during our last stages of life. This can be done by maintaining a regular routine of exercise, proper diet and healthy lifestyle. This is where Walking as an exercise comes into picture.
Of all the exercises recommended by doctors and physicians for maintaining good health – Walking is by far the best. It is one exercise that can be done by all age groups and people with almost all kinds of ailments. Early morning walking is considered most therapeutic by all schools of medicine. It is perhaps the only exercise which has simply no side effects. It can be done at our own pace and there is no need for any special equipment. There are many benefits of an early morning walk such as :
1. Helps to maintain weight by burning the extra calories.
2. Considerably reduces the risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure.
3. Lowers the risk of strokes and breast cancers.
4. Helps to control Type 2 diabetes.
5. It also makes you feel better by preventing depression as it helps heart to circulate blood faster.
6. It strengthens the bones and joints thus making them more flexible.
7. It has also been proved to be useful for people suffering from arthritis and back pain.
8. Helps to improve sleep by lowering the stress levels.
9. Helps to maintain a better posture and improves looks as person feels more confident and healthy.
But there are some things which should be kept in mind while walking. First, to get maximum benefits, incorporate it into your daily routine. As per the doctors, one should walk a minimum of thirty minutes for at least three days a week. But in case you are suffering from some kind of disease, it is much better to consult the doctor before starting out. In any case, do not walk till you are tired. Walking is supposed to rejuvenate you and not tire you out. So, start with baby steps and then increase slowly.
It is also important to choose the proper location for walking. There is no point in walking amidst heavy traffic and taking in all the poisonous fumes and toxic gases. If possible walk in a park, otherwise choose an area which is full of greenery and away from the main traffic roads.
The yoga gurus recommend walking barefoot on green grass early in the morning before the sunrise. It is supposed to be good for your eyesight. But even if you are not walking barefoot, it is important to face the sun while going for the walk and allow sun rays to fall on your back while returning. There is a very solid rationale behind this. According to yoga discipline, the rays emitted by the sun for the first half an hour of sun rise are most beneficial for us. Hence, we should take then straight on our front body. After that sun begins to get hotter and thus it is better to take them on your back.Thus inculcating morning walk into our daily routine provides the necessary positive energy and strength to our body and helps us to keep fit and healthy for years to come.
