Including Walking In Your Exercise Regime
This is a collaborative post
After months spent in national lockdowns, and exercise being one of the mandated reasons to leave the house, many have found a new love for the pure act of walking and other outdoor activities such as cycling as a consequence. Walking has kept Britain sane during the depths of the pandemic, with outdoor green spaces being used for exercise or leisure by catching up with family and friends over an outdoor coffee.
Good For You
Walking is one of the less strenuous forms of exercise, which makes it extremely versatile and accessible to everyone. The health benefits are scientifically-backed, with studies showing that it improves blood regulation, increases life expectancy, helps you lose weight but builds muscle mass, decreases the risk of early mental decline and Alzheimer’s, improves sleep quality and mood, and even improves your breath due to the increased oxygen flow! The trade-offs you get from walking are excellent, so next time you find yourself struggling to get out of bed on a cold winters day, just know that you will feel miles better afterwards for simply moving your body! Make sure you fuel your energy before taking a walk. Check out Rave Reviews nutrition website to choose the right vitamins and supplements for your needs.
Good For The Environment
Another benefit of seeing an increase in walking and cycling, are the positive effects they can have on the environment. After the pandemic began a study by National Accident helpline showed we have seen a 27% decrease in private cars on the road and a 24% increase in people who state that their preferred mode of transport is cycling. Additionally, there has been a 68% decrease in public transport use compared to pre-pandemic. This could be down to people simply not needing to use it due to the rise of remote working, and it could also be a result of people’s concerns about the virus spreading easily in small, enclosed spaces. Nevertheless, the pandemic has certainly had an impact on people’s transport habits, and a reduction in vehicles means less greenhouse gas emissions which negatively impact our fragile ecosystems.
Take Care
Although the turn towards cycling and walking is largely a positive trend, it means that the amount of vulnerable people on the road has increased, whether that be a cyclist or a pedestrian. Therefore, every single road user must practise caution and be extra vigilant when they are out and about. For a cyclist, this will include having bike lights, wearing hi-vis, learning correct road signals and etiquette, and wearing a helmet. For drivers, it is essential that you respect cyclists and pedestrians to minimise the chance of an accident happening.
If you stay focused and aware, you can enjoy walking and cycling as your commuting method whilst remaining safe. If you do however find that you are involved in an accident that is not your fault or feel you have been medically neglected, do not hesitate to get in touch with the national accident helpline to seek professional legal advice.
Read more posts in the Fitness & Health Category