Movement
Unlock Health Benefits with a Simple Afternoon Walk: Experts Share Why It’s a Game-Changer
Taking a daily afternoon walk might be one of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost your health. While walking at any time has its benefits, an afternoon stroll offers unique advantages that might surprise you. Experts have highlighted how this simple habit can enhance both physical and mental well-being, making it a valuable addition to your daily routine. Here’s a closer look at why an afternoon walk is so beneficial.
Beat the Afternoon Slump
Many people experience a dip in energy around 3 p.m., whether they’re at work or home. According to Andrew Jagim, PhD, Jacob Erickson, DO, and Alecia Gende, DO, “A recent study of more than 90,000 people found that working out in the afternoon reduces the risk of heart disease or early death more than physical activity in either the morning.” This benefit is particularly significant for men and seniors.
Ease Into Exercise
Walking is an excellent entry point for those looking to start an exercise routine. Michelle McDonough, MD, explains, “Walking is a gentle, low-impact cardio exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. It’s safe and simple.” Just 21 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack while supporting your immune and lymphatic systems.
Boost Mental Health
An afternoon walk can also be a powerful tool for emotional well-being. Craig Kain, PhD, notes that walking helps with emotional regulation by increasing dopamine levels, the ‘happy hormone,’ and decreasing cortisol, the ‘stress hormone.’ This balance can restore your mental equilibrium.
Optimize Physical Performance
Your body is often at its best physically in the afternoon. Jagim, Erickson, and Gende point out, “The body’s ability to perform peaks in the afternoon and early evening for some people, with optimal muscle function, strength, and endurance often occurring later in the day.” By this time, your body has had time to wake up, and you’ve fueled it with meals, making you more alert and ready for exercise.
Stabilize Blood Sugar
Walking after a meal can help manage blood sugar levels. Todd Buckingham, PhD, explains how walking activates muscles to uptake blood glucose, preventing sharp spikes in blood sugar after eating. This can be particularly beneficial for those concerned about blood sugar management.
Track Your Progress
Keeping track of your steps can be motivating and help you set new fitness goals. As the Mayo Clinic suggests, “Keeping a record of how many steps you take, the distance you walk and how long it takes can help you see where you started from and serve as a source of inspiration.” Seeing your progress over time can be incredibly rewarding.
Burn Calories Effectively
A brisk walk is effective for burning calories, especially targeting abdominal fat. William Dixon, MD, explains that the calories burned depend on speed and distance, but any amount contributes to weight management goals. Walking is a practical way to maintain or lose weight.
Consistency is Key
Regardless of when you choose to walk, consistency is crucial. McDonough advises, “To help your walk become a habit, build it into your daily routine.” Whether during lunch or after dinner, regularity ensures you reap the full benefits of this simple exercise.
Taking a daily afternoon walk is a straightforward yet powerful way to enhance your health. From boosting energy and mental clarity to stabilizing blood sugar and burning calories, the benefits are manifold. By making it a consistent part of your routine, you can enjoy these advantages and more, feeling better both physically and mentally.
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