4 Benefits of Walking & 5 Ways to Fit it in Your Routine
One of my favorite low-impact workouts and forms of exercise is walking! It benefits our physical and mental well-being, and incorporating it into your daily routine can be easier than you think! If there is one thing I ALWAYS do in my day, it’s walk. Whether it be 30 minutes in the morning before work, around the block on your lunch break, during calls, or in the evening to decompress, there's always time in the day for a walk! Here are some benefits and ways that music industry professionals can incorporate walking into their busy schedules.
First and foremost, walking is a low-impact exercise that is easy and accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. It doesn't require any special equipment or a pricey gym membership, making it convenient and cost-effective. You can walk pretty much anywhere and it costs you nothing!
If you're currently not active and are looking to incorporate fitness into your routine, walking can be a great place to start. It’s a realistic first step to losing weight, as it’s an effective way to burn calories. We are also more likely to make positive changes in our lives when we start small and gradually increase our goals. If you want to lose weight and get fit, it might be more realistic to start by walking for 30 minutes every morning until you hit a certain milestone, than to jump right into something like an hour-long boxing class. Achieving small goals like this will leave you feeling encouraged to take it to the next level!
Walking has a positive impact on mental health, and as someone who walks every day, I can certainly vouch for this. Walking releases endorphins, is a great stress-reliever, mood-booster, and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Personally, I feel such an overall difference in my mood when I start my day with a walk compared to the days I don’t. I’m happier, calmer, more focused and more energized. Getting outside first thing in the morning and walking outdoors or in nature allows me to connect with the environment, get direct sunlight, and get my energy flowing for the day. Not to mention it reminds me how much beauty there is in the world and how much I have to be grateful for!
It’s scary to think that the leading cause of death in the United States is Cardiovascular Disease, but fortunately, one of the biggest benefits of walking is its positive impact on cardiovascular health. Regular walking can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall cardiovascular fitness. While I’m in no way qualified to say this as a fact, I’d like to think that part of the reason I have such a healthy heart is because I get out and walk every day!
If you work in the music industry and are wondering how you can possibly fit time in your schedule for a walk, here are some ideas:
When I started working at UTA, I used to eat lunch as quickly as I could and then spend the other 45 minutes of my lunch break walking. Walking during lunch is a great way to break up your day and keep your energy up in the afternoon!
When I was on tour or traveling with artists for shows, I would walk to get coffee or breakfast from my hotel in the morning, then walk around exploring the city for an hour. Finding time to exercise on tour can be difficult, but this is a great way to prioritize alone time and explore a new city in a fun and healthy way.
Now, I wake up and immediately go on a walk in the morning because it helps me feel energized for the day ahead. I’ll also go on walks at the end of the workday or when the sun is setting because it helps me decompress from the day, wind down, and sleep better at night.
I take calls while I walk because it keeps me energized and focused mid-day when I’ve been sitting for hours. This can be a great way to kill two birds with one stone if you have a work call and you can step away from your desk. If not, it can be a great time to catch up with family, friends, or listen to a podcast!
Lastly, walking is a great weekend activity to do with friends or family. Walking in groups can also provide a sense of community and support, making it a fun and social way to stay active. The more I walk on weekends, the less likely I am to lay on the couch and watch TV, drink or eat unhealthy food!
I live by walking, and the benefits it has had on my life are immeasurable. Next time you have even 15 or 30 minutes to spare, try going on a walk and see how you feel!
Reference:
John D. Omura, Emily N. Ussery, Fleetwood Loustalot, Janet E. Fulton, Susan A. Carlson. May 30 2019. Walking as an Opportunity for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.
Copyright © 2024 Gabi King