Benefits of Walking & Exercising Three Days a Week
In today's busy world, it can be hard to find time to keep physically fit. Yet in the midst of work, running errands and taking care of the kids, it is important to make sure that people not overlook the well-being of their bodies. It doesn't take a lot of effort, either, as recent studies have established that the benefits of walking and exercising three days a week can be substantial.
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Lowering Blood Pressure
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According to an August 2007 Reuters article, doctors at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland found 30 minutes of brisk walking three days per week was enough to drive down blood pressure and improve overall fitness in a group of healthy sedentary adults.
Losing Weight and Increasing Stamina
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MayoClinic.com also lists several benefits of walking and exercising three days a week or more, and chief among them are shedding unwanted pounds and reducing fatigue levels over time. Thus, maintaining an exercise program in combination with a proper diet will likely lead to weight loss and an eventual increase in stamina.
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Immune System Benefits
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The Mayo Clinic website also states that an aerobic exercise program helps the body's immune system, making it more likely for a person to fight off viral illnesses, including colds and even the flu.
Other Physical Health Benefits
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Furthermore, MayoClinic.com says that exercise can help ward off type 2 diabetes, reduce a person's risk for osteoporosis, prevent the reoccurrence of a heart attack or stroke, and could even lower the odds of contracting some forms of cancer.
Mental Health Benefits
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The benefits of walking and exercising three days a week go beyond the physical realm, however. According to the findings of Dr. Daniel Landers of Arizona State University (as published online at Fitness.gov), there is "evidence to support the claim that exercise is related to positive mental health as indicated by relief in symptoms of depression and anxiety."
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