We live in a hectic world where it’s almost impossible to fit everything we want and need to do into our day.
When it comes to exercise, however, studies have proven that a little really can go a long way – and a brisk 20-minute walk on a daily basis can have far-reaching effects.
1. It boosts your mood
Exercise releases endorphins, the hormones responsible for putting us in a good mood. While you may think that only an intense gym session will do, low-intensity exercise such as a walk can actually work just as effectively in boosting your mood.
2. It energises you
While you might expect to feel exhausted after an energetic walk, a low-intensity exercise regime can actually reduce fatigue and boost your energy levels in the long-run.
3. It reduces your body fat
It’s no surprise that any exercise will help you to burn calories and shift the pounds, but this type of exercise – on a daily basis – is great for melting away visceral fat; that ‘deep fat’ on your belly that's always so tough to shift.
4. It lowers the ‘bad’ cholesterol
A regime like this has been proven for reducing levels of LDL cholesterol, or ‘bad’ cholesterol. Given how this cholesterol is linked with artery-clogging plaque, a short walk daily walk suddenly seems like no great sacrifice.
5. It will increase your life expectancy
A major study carried out by experts at Cambridge University last year found that two-and-a-half hours’ worth of low-intensity exercise per week – that translates to 20 minutes per day – can add years to your life.