Ask us to skip the gym and we will do it without any hesitation and with a list of never-ending excuses. So if you equate the gym with being fit, it is time to change your perception. Studies show you do not need to feel guilty if you don’t go to the gym.
According to a study by the American Cancer Society, researchers have found that walking for six hours per week can help one live longer.
In another report published by the Harvard Medical School, walking reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 31 percent and the risk of dying from it by 32 percent.
Walking for a few minutes every hour or dedicating an hour for some brisk walking is a good way to skip the gym and not even feel guilty about it.
According to Alpa Patel, Ph.D., strategic Director CPS-3, American Cancer Society who was also the lead investigator of the study, “Going for a walk at an average to brisk pace can provide people with a tremendous health benefit. It’s free, easy, and be done anywhere.”
But with our nine to five busy schedule, where we stay glued to our chairs, our eyes fixed to the computer screens, we hardly find time for a brisk walk.
A brilliant way to incorporate this healthy habit would be by picking up public transport, taking metros, offering your seat to someone else, and walking to your cab pickup point.
Being fit and healthy is never about running for hours on treadmills and lifting heavyweights. One needs to keep moving. Dance, walk, take your pet for a walk, do whatever you like. Just keep moving.
30 minutes of brisk walk every day can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess fat, boost endurance and muscle power. It can decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, some types of cancers, and heart disease.
So, instead of signing up for the unused paid gym membership in the coming year, go for regular walks and increase your everyday movement.