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What is the Best Time to Walk Everyday?

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Krishanga, BDS on Feb 26, 2024


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Walking is a simple yet effective form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits. Adding a daily walk to your routine can help with weight loss, heart health, and mental well-being. It can make a big difference.


But when is the best time to walk each day? Let's explore the optimal timing for your daily stroll and the benefits it brings.

Benefits of Walking 45 Minutes a Day

Walking for just 45 minutes a day can yield remarkable benefits for both physical and mental health(1). It's like giving your body a gentle workout that helps maintain smooth functioning. When you walk, you engage your whole body, including your heart, muscles, and even your brain, not just your legs.

One of the biggest benefits of walking is that it's a low-impact exercise, which means it's easy on your joints. Walking is different from activities like running or jumping because it puts minimal stress on your lower body (knees, hips and ankles). This makes it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Did You Know?

Walking can significantly boost creativity. Studies show that taking a stroll, whether indoors or outdoors, can enhance creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. So, the next time you're feeling stuck on a task, consider going for a walk to get those creative juices flowing!

Walking is also great for your heart health(2). It makes your heart and circulation stronger, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Plus, it helps lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, keeping your ticker in top shape.

Another perk of walking is its ability to help with weight loss. When you walk, you burn calories, which can help you shed those extra pounds and keep them off for good. Since walking is moderate in intensity, you can walk for longer periods without feeling exhausted. This helps in maintaining your exercise routine more easily.

But the benefits of walking are not just physical; they're mental too. Walking has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. All thanks to the release of feel-good chemicals called endorphins.

It's like hitting the reset button on your brain, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a walk outdoors.


What is the Best Time to Walk Everyday?

Now that we know all the amazing benefits of walking, let's talk about the best time to do it. While any time is better than no time, many experts recommend walking in the morning for maximum impact(3).

Why? Well, for starters, walking in the morning kickstarts your metabolism, which means you'll burn more calories throughout the day(4). It's like giving your body a little boost to start the day off on the right foot.


Best Time for Walking in Morning

Morning walks also have the bonus of improving your mood(5). There's something about the fresh air and sunshine that just makes you feel good.

Getting outside first thing in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm. This makes it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.

But perhaps the biggest benefit of morning walks is consistency. By getting your walk done first thing in the morning, you're less likely to let other things get in the way later in the day. It's like setting yourself up for success right from the get-go.

Of course, if morning walks don't work for you, that's okay too. The most important thing is to find a time that fits into your schedule and stick with it. Whether you prefer to walk in the morning, afternoon, or evening, the key is to make it a regular part of your routine.

Health Benefits of Walking Regularly

Ever wondered what are the results of walking for 1 hour a day for a month?

Regardless of the time of day, walking regularly offers numerous health benefits. From weight management to improved cardiovascular health, here are some of the major benefits of walking every day:

Weight Management:

Walking helps burn calories and increase metabolism, making it an effective tool for weight loss and weight maintenance.

Improved Cardiovascular Health:

Regular walking strengthens the heart and improves circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Enhanced Mental Well-being:

Walking reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood and promoting relaxation.

Better Blood Sugar Control:

Walking helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes and improving overall metabolic health(6).

Stronger Muscles and Bones:

Walking strengthens muscles and bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and improving overall physical strength and endurance.

Incorporating walking into your daily routine is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your health and well-being. Whether you prefer a brisk morning stroll or a leisurely evening walk, the important thing is to get moving and make walking a regular part of your lifestyle for long-term health benefits.

References:

  1. The multifaceted benefits of walking for healthy aging: from Blue Zones to molecular mechanisms - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37495893/)
  2. Walking: the first steps in cardiovascular disease prevention - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3098122/)
  3. Morning exercise mitigates the impact of prolonged sitting on cerebral blood flow in older adults - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30730813/)
  4. Consistent Morning Exercise May Be Beneficial for Individuals With Obesity - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32658039/)
  5. Impact of walking on glycemic control and other cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25329391/)
  6. Walking is related to bone density and rates of bone loss - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8304358/)

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