Take off your heels, put on your walking boots!
Walking may not be the most glamorous activity we can imagine, but it is an easy way to keep moving. And guess what? This is the time to put on your walking shoes – or designer sneakers – because autumn is extra healthy.
Outside in the cold
The changeable autumn weather does not always make it attractive to walk around the block. But look on the bright side: a lot of nature is at its best now, so there is no better time for a long walk in the woods. In addition, walking in cool temperatures is also very good for you.
“In colder temperatures, your heart has to work less hard, you sweat less and you use less energy, which means you can exercise more efficiently,” explains assistant professor of sports medicine at Harvard Medical School. Because you do not suffer from heat, this helps to lower your blood pressure, improve your exercise capacity, stabilize your blood sugar level and increase your mobility. And all this while taking a walk!
One kilo less
If you want to lose some weight, walking outside in cold temperatures is a good idea. According to research, the ‘bad’ white fat from our body is converted more quickly into ‘healthy’ brown fat during outdoor activity in the cold. This brown fat converts energy into heat, which can help you shed some pounds.
Grab that daylight
So go for a walk, especially when the sun is shining. Exercise in the (winter) sun helps to counteract symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, or the winter blues. As tempting as it is to curl up on the couch every autumn evening with a blanket and a good glass of wine, don’t forget to take a walk every now and then. It makes you fitter and happier, and that is ultimately part of the good life!
Source: Woman’s World | Image: NL Image
