Walking is what humans were made to do.  Your ancestors have been doing it for thousands of years.  It’s only in the last 100 that people seem to be forgetting that walking is one of the most important exercises for staying fit and sharp — with huge effects on your ability to succeed, stay positive and do the work you want to do.  That’s why taking a 30-40 minute walk (or longer) is something you should be doing.  Here’s why…

Your Confidence, Happiness and Creativity Goes Up

In fact people who exercise have lightning reflexes, great thinking and damned good memory.  Exercisers beat out non-exercisers nearly 100% of the time (except for memory where it was 66% of the time).

In a recent study at Scripps College in Claremont, Calif., researchers compared 62 exercisers, ages 55 to 91, with an equal number of people in the same age bracket who didn’t exercise to determine the possible effects regular activity might have on cognitive skills. (TFHRC)

Both groups were given a one-hour series of tests assessing memory, reaction time and reasoning.

The results? The exercisers performed significantly better in all reaction-time tests, all reasoning tests and in two of the three memory tests.  (TFHRC)

In addition, exercise boosts the happy hormone (serotonin) in the brain. Even light walking can boost your immunity and mood (you want to be flu free right?). Walking is one of the best activities that anyone at any age can do because it’s easy on the joints.

“I’ve only gone down 10 pounds and a size and a half, but I feel a million times better,” she explains. “It’s absolutely helped my jobs performance.” Lori Wengle, Real Estate Agent Who Gain 10 lbs Since 2008 (MSNBC)

And obviously you get…

Better Health

In older men and women, the best way to fight heart disease is to start walking more and for longer time periods.  (click here, click here)  And if you work out a lot then you know what it’s good to keep exercising — your muscles stay with you longer.

When researchers tested the fitness of the men at the end of the study, they found those who hadn’t exercised had lost 41 percent of their maximal aerobic power while those who exercised lost just 13 percent. These results were interesting since decreased aerobic power has long been thought to be a natural product of aging.

And it also lowered their blood pressure (by at least 25%).

And you can get as much of these bonuses as you can by walking.

Interestingly enough…

You Were Born to Walk

You can also help to control your blood sugar and reduce or prevent diabetes.  Walking is what humans were made and born to do — it’s hard wired into you.  You stand on 2 feet for a reason — your ancestors walked all over the world and came from the grasslands.  You get from A to B by walking (unless you use motor scooters even indoors).

In fact walking uses up to 70% of your body’s energy so if you’re sitting on the couch all day or sitting at a desk all day without walking at least 30-40 minutes per day (more is better) then you’ve got a lot extra energy that could end up killing you (that’s where blood sugar and diabetes come in).

And not only that you…

Save Yourself Or Your Employers Money Over the Long Term

The rising costs of medical care has been flying through the roof in the United States and all over America.  In fact 3 times faster than inflation.  Businesses continue to scramble to find ways to cut down health costs because it’s starting to hurt their bottom lines.

“The rising cost of medical care is unsustainable and is a huge and legitimate concern to employers that pay for it,” says labor attorney Hanan Kolko. “During the past decade or so, health care costs have been rising at three times the rate of inflation. Every nickel that goes to pay for rising medical costs can’t pay for raises, pensions or 401(k) matches.”  - Hanan Kolko, Labour Attorney (MSNBC)

Businesses saves $1.50 to $5 in health costs from workers for every $1 spent on “get healthy” programs.  Think of all those times when people have been sick from bad health or being overweight (and being overweight leads to other problems).  There’s a huge cost in employees taking sick days, being stuck in hospital and not taking vacation days to lower stress (click here).

In fact one doctor even invented a special treadmill for office people (the idea which has been spreading like wildfire).  Dr. James Levine, at the Mayo Clinic, invented a “work-walker” or Treadmill Desks so people could burn 100-130 calories an hour (the same as just from walking around in the office or fidgeting).  Crazy isn’t it?  (Click here for more details)

In fact both Canada and the United States are facing a healthcare meltdown (click here, click here).

So what are you waiting for?

Get out there and walk the grasslands, hike through the parks and take your loved ones to the beaches!  Live effortlessly and naturally!

It’ll help you in so many ways!

And hopefully I’ll see you out there one day!

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