If you’ve never considered walking to be the most exciting form of exercise, you’re not alone. And if you’ve routinely avoided making it a part of your exercise schedule, then you’ve got plenty of company on that front too. Why walk when there are so many more fun alternatives? Yoga, zumba, cycling, gymnastics – the list goes on. Put simply, walking is dull. Or at least that’s what you’re led to think. But we believe that Kaia girls do best when they keep an open mind and build an exercise routine that’s made up of various activities. Here’s why you should ditch all the bad things you’ve heard and consider taking up walking.

It’s easily built into your day

We all need to walk – to work, to pick the kids up from school, to get to the grocery store. Instead of seeing this walking as nothing more than a chore and a means to get from A to B, seize the opportunity to exercise. The great thing about walking to get fit is that it needs no equipment and you can do it just about anywhere. Of course, the further, faster and more intensively you walk, the more benefits you’ll derive, but any and all walking is great for you, especially if you’re doing it in addition to your existing exercise plan. So the next time you consider driving to the cinema, the store or even the gym, leave your car keys at home and take a stroll instead.

It’s great for creativity

No matter what it is that you’re seeking inspiration for – a college paper, your life memoirs or a simple gift idea – chances are it’s going to be harder to find if you’re sat still. Creativity is scientifically proven to be boosted by exercise, and by walking in particular; just a short stroll has been shown to increase the ability to see a situation from a different perspective. Whether on a treadmill or out in nature herself, the creativity spike that you enjoy as a result of walking appears to last for some time after you stop exercising, too – and multiple short bursts of walking could give you even greater inspiration.

It stops you from sitting

Fact: every one of us spends too much time sitting down. And we don’t even sit like our ancestors in cross-legged or kneeled positions, which help maintain strength in the back, legs and glutes. Instead, we spend our lives slouching on chairs which has an adverse effect on our pelvises and our circulation. We spend as much as 21 hours a day sitting or lying down, causing reduced blood flow, increased blood sugar levels and more serious problems besides. Getting up and going for a walk is a simple and effective way to limit the amount of time we spend in sedentary positions.

It’s healthy

Forget the idea that sweatier, more intense forms of exercise are the only ones that deliver health benefits. Build a brisk walk into your schedule on a regular basis and you’ll feel the results in lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, reduced cholesterol levels and better moods. It stands to reason – what better way to wake up and put yourself on a good footing for the day ahead than to take a stroll at sunrise? With the natural high brought on from the release of endorphins and serotonin, walking is a great way to clear your head and get some perspective on life, and of course it gives you the opportunity to explore your local area too. What’s more, because walking is a low impact exercise, your chance of injury is low.

There’s no reason why walking can’t fit into your exercise routine in tandem with other ‘more exciting’ activities. To learn more about incorporating walking into your workout, talk to us.