HEALTH: Walk Your Way To Health

This article is reviewed by Dr Sudha Reddy. 

"Walk before you run" - a wise saying we use metaphorically to emphasize moving ahead steadily rather than in haste. Take one step at a time. Its literal meaning though is as relevant to our lives. Walking might look quite humble amongst the more exotic "exercises" such as aerobics or doing weights, but when it comes to health impact, walking stands tall! It is an option one must consider if other exercise forms are proving difficult to follow.

Health benefits of walking every day

Walking has been considered as one of the easiest and most convenient exercises. Walking 1-2 kilometres can help one lose up to 100 calories. Walking slow, in fact, can help lose more.

• Some of the health benefits of walking include:

• Helps control weight

• Improves blood circulation

• Prevents critical ailments such as cancer

• Strengthens heart and lung function 

An interesting insight from the survey is that there are differences in what health benefits trigger people to take a walk. Improved digestion and stress reduction are primary drivers for residents of Delhi. In contrast, Mumbaikars walk to improve their health overall. On the other hand, Bangaloreans' focus is to control blood sugar. Whatever the specific health benefit one aspires for, it is well understood that walking positively impacts health.

Then, why doesn't everyone walk?

With the health benefits being well understood and tangibly visible, what are the reasons that this form of exercise is not as common as it could be? Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey throws up several reasons which not surprisingly are different in different cities. A common theme, which cuts across all major cities, is lack of time. People would spend whatever little time they can carve out from their busy lives with their loved ones, rather than on walking. The survey, further, reveals that long working hours and longer commute time eats away into the time available with an individual.

Other reasons are broadly safety and infrastructure related. Safety concerns keep people away from walking. This is more frequently cited as an important reason in Delhi as compared to Mumbai and Bangalore. Lack of walking space and traffic are the infrastructural reasons, and Mumbaikars cite this as a primary reason.

However, it is important to note that the above mentioned deterrents can be addressed. The Indian Government can intervene to solve the infrastructure related issues, perhaps, more walkways and parks would solve these. If we look at the countries in the West, various governments there have implemented such changes to promote good health. Self-discipline, if imbibed, can help one in managing time. Safety issues are not unsolvable too, but, the first step is encouraging people to start walking regularly and it starts with motivation. Max Bupa Walk for Health initiative aims to be one such motivator.

 So, where do you start?

Well, a good starting point could be to incorporate walking into your daily life. It doesn't need to be a specially planned walk to begin with. Walk to the store for your groceries. Walk to your work place if possible. Avoid usage of motorized transportation for short distances. Small changes such as these can help you achieve the big goal. Walking is the most preferred exercise option in our country as compared to other more strenuous options.

  
Walk for good health!

Walking has always been big in India. Mahatma Gandhi's historic march to Dandi is considered to be a world changing event. People have walked in protest. Brands have advised us to 'walk when you talk'. 'Walk for Health'. I hope this will motivate several people to start walking regularly for their own betterment.

Have a Happy Life... Cheers!!!