The Benefits of Walking

Here at LOWA, we believe there are few better ways to spend our free time than setting off on an adventure! Taking a journey through the natural world can uncover new areas to discover, or even different sides to a place we once thought we knew. Delving deep into the world that surrounds us, we not only learn about the wider landscape, but we also discover more about ourselves.

The time spent with loved ones deep in the forests, or even on our own traversing stone-clad mountain trails, can provide us with a range of physical and mental health boosts. However, even incorporating a little extra walking into your daily or weekly routine could provide you with great long-term benefits! Here is just a small selection of the health perks you can discover through this simple yet awesome activity.

Walking Improves Your Mood

It has been proven that going on hikes is good for our overall wellbeing. As a form of exercise, going on any walk releases endorphins in our body, which help to create a positive mood.

A hike or trail allows us a period away from our day-to-day lives, which is great for reducing stress. Also, completing a particularly challenging walk will give anyone a sense of accomplishment, which is great for boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Walking Helps Strengthen Your Body

It may not be the same as going to the gym, but the fact that walking provides a similar result is what makes it so good! This outdoor activity has been proven to improve body strength in many different ways, with less chance of causing the immediate strains that can happen in higher-tempo sports. Walking can help strengthen the bones in your body thanks to frequent use, and the same goes for your joints. Meanwhile, frequent walking will also tone and build up your muscles.

Walking Improves Your Brain

Studies have shown that frequent walking strengthens the mind, helping to fight off ailments such as memory loss into old age. This is not just down to exercise, but the peaceful nature of walking that allows your brain some much-needed time to rest.

Walking Reduces the Risk of Illness

As mentioned before, frequently taking part in adventurous walks can help improve your body in a myriad of ways. This strengthening activity means that your body is more capable of fending off a range of potential long-term illnesses. Your stronger body will be less prone to arthritis, strokes, heart disease and even breast cancer thanks to frequent walking!

Walking Can Improve Sleep

Endorphins are not the only chemicals released during a walk. The body also releases melatonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating our body clocks and helping us sleep when we need it most. Going on a walk, particularly during the morning, is one of the most effective ways of naturally combating sleep problems such as insomnia.

Walking Helps You Lose Weight

There are many reasons why people hike, but for those starting out, this point is often high on their list. Walking and hiking are fantastic ways to reduce weight gradually and healthily over time. The speed of your walk will affect the number of calories burned, but even going at a comfortable pace will make a difference. Frequently going on challenging trails will begin to cultivate improved weight loss over time, making it the perfect way to start a new exercise plan.

Walking Allows us to Appreciate Nature

This aspect is something that is almost lost on people going walking for the first time. During our day-to-day lives, we are often aware of the environment around us but not conscious of its meaning. By taking the time to walk through and explore the lesser-travelled parts of our world, we begin to understand the importance of these natural landmarks.

There are almost limitless benefits to walking, and the best part of this hobby is that it’s accessible to so many people! Our extensive range of outdoor footwear, including walking boots for wide feet, are the perfect accompaniment to your next adventure, so why not check out our range of specialist walking gear today?