It's time to start walking!

Sometimes with pleasure, sometimes grumbling, walking is a daily gesture. But do you know the many benefits of a good walk? Accessible to all, this activity can become a real sport if practiced correctly and regularly. Focus on the benefits of walking and especially how to practice it.

Walking, good for body and soul

In France, we love walking. It tops the favorite sports of the French:55% practice it regularly [1]. It is true that using your feet to move has many advantages.

First, walking activates your body - especially on the transit side, by facilitating digestion and relieving digestive problems such as constipation. A brisk walk also stimulates your heart and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is excellent for blood circulation and blood pressure regulation. If you want to regain a toned body, walking promotes gentle weight loss, without jolts to the joints.

Very beneficial for your body, walking is just as beneficial for your mind. Indeed, as soon as you put on your sneakers and walk, your body releases the pleasure hormone, endorphin. This is why walking allows you to evacuate stress, keeps you away from depression, and helps you find restful sleep. Your morale is better, because walking is practiced in the middle of nature. What could be more rejuvenating?

Want to meet other walkers or participate in walking events? Sites such as sortie-rando.fr or sport.nature.net list all the events related to walking. You will also find walking associations in your town or region. Join one of these associations now to practice walking with people who share your passion. You will also be able to motivate each other and make you discover new places and walking routes.

What are the different forms of walking?

Sport walking: it improves your endurance and tones your body. The pace is sustained (7 to 8 km/h on average). This activity can be practiced in all environments (mountain, forest, city).

Hiking: this type of walk is gentler and is accessible to all levels of walkers, including children. Hiking can be a sport if practiced regularly and intensely. Nevertheless, it remains a very pleasant activity to do with the family.

Nordic walking: inspired by cross-country skiing, nordic walking is practiced with poles. This type of dynamic walking is a real sport that tones the thighs, buttocks and pecs.

Walking and meditating is possible!

Meditation walking allows you to practice physical activity while freeing your mind. The benefits of walking meditation are numerous:reduction of stress, anxiety, relaxation, relaxation, sleep, well-being, better concentration, etc.

Good walking practices to avoid getting hurt

Are you taking a walk? That's good, but what would be even better is to do it without hurting yourself. Adopt good practices right away.

• Don't neglect the warm-up before the walk . To wake up your body before exercise, warm up your ankles, neck and shoulders with small rotations.
• Choose a good pair of shoes to your shoe size, which allows you to walk for a long time. This pair of shoes should be as comfortable as possible and hold your foot properly. The shoe must have good cushioning to limit the impact of footsteps. It is also necessary to favor a flexible shoe that accompanies your movement. Beware of shoes that are too high, which prevent your ankles from working properly. For optimal comfort, also remember to choose a good pair of socks.
• Choose an outfit in which you feel comfortable. Light and flexible clothing is ideal for walking. Choose your outfit according to the location and the weather. For example, choose trousers over shorts if the vegetation is likely to scratch your legs, or bring a raincoat in case of rain.
• Adopt the correct posture for walking: straight back, looking far ahead, shoulders and arms relaxed. Do not freeze your arms, they must swing naturally, accompanying the movements of your steps. If you are walking on a slope, you can help yourself with walking sticks.
• Follow your own pace. No need to rush or absolutely want to follow a frantic pace. The right walking pace is one in which you are totally comfortable.

Walking helps you regain a toned body while doing good for your mind. This complete sporting activity is gaining more and more followers among nature lovers. Alone or in a group, you can walk where you want, at your own pace, provided you have the right shoes. This activity within everyone's reach is also an opportunity to go out with friends, chat and have a good time without having to put your hand in your wallet.

[1] RTL.fr