1. It strengthens the skeleton
“Bones are living structures, which react to the stresses they undergo and become stronger all the more when they are called upon,” explains physiotherapist Stéphane Demorand in a column published on the website of the magazine “Le Point”.
He says walking four hours a week would reduce the risk of hip fracture by 43%.
“The joints are not left out, and the articular cartilage strengthens when it is subjected to constraints”, adds the practitioner.
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2. It contributes to mental health
“The effects of walking on the psychological and cognitive level are very well documented,” said Dr. Louis Bherer, neuropsychologist and professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Montreal, interviewed by Radio Canada.
“We also see in people who practice walking a reduction in anxiety, because it allows us to secrete the“ happiness hormones ”, endorphin and serotonin,” adds physiotherapist Carol-Ann Julien, too. quoted on the radio’s website.
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3. It contributes to cognitive functions
“After three or four months of exercise, we begin to see effects in terms of attention, alertness and speed of response,” says Dr. Bherer.
“After several months of training, we will even see improvements in memory and in the brain regions that support memory,” he continues.
Regular walking can therefore reduce the risk of developing certain age-related cognitive disorders, such as dementia.
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4. It helps digestion
Digestive walking is not a myth. “It promotes good digestion by stimulating the organs of the digestive system in a mechanical way,” explains the news site Passeport Santé.
“Walking a few minutes and a few tens of meters is sufficient,” he explains.
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5. It would extend life expectancy
According to Stéphane Demorand, “75 minutes of weekly walking would extend life expectancy by almost two years”.
“Two thousand four hundred years after his death, science has never ceased to confirm the adage of Hippocrates. Walking is a fabulous medicine, the best prevention, and its benefits are innumerable ”, concludes the physiotherapist.
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