Walking for Health and Fitness

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5-6-2024 The Power of Your Brain - Drink More Water - Walk a Mile a Day

Exercise affects more than just your muscles. When you walk and do bodyweight exercises you are increasing your heart rate which pumps more oxygen to the brain.

Step 1: The Power of Your Brain

Exercise affects more than just your muscles. When you walk and do bodyweight exercises you are increasing your heart rate which pumps more oxygen to the brain.

  • Exercise releases hormones that provide an excellent environment for the growth of brain cells.

  • Exercise stimulates the growth of new connections between cells in many important cortical areas of the brain.

  • Exercise has a positive effect on the brain's ability to change. This is commonly referred to as brain plasticity.

  • Exercise increases the growth factors in the brain which makes it easier for the brain to grow new neuronal connections.

  • Studies have shown walking 35 minutes on a treadmill increases cognitive flexibility which allows us to shift thinking and switch between topics.

The more you challenge your body, the more you focus your brain.
Get more great walking and fitness tips with my Walking Logbook Journal

Easy Health Tip of the Week: How to Acclimate to Warmer Weather:

  • Hydrate: Increase your fluid intake, primarily water, to stay hydrated as your body will perspire more in warmer temperatures.

  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, light color breathable fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking materials to allow sweat to evaporate and keep your body cool.

  • Gradual exposure: Gradually increase your time spent outdoors in warmer weather to allow your body to adapt. Start with shorter durations and gradually extend your time outside over a few days to allow your body to acclimate to the higher temperatures.

Step 2: Can Walking a Mile a Day Help With Weight Loss?

Walking a mile a day can be a smart benchmark for movement. But, this is most powerful for your health when you can do it consistently… Read More

Did You Know: The human brain can generate about 23 watts of power (enough to power a lightbulb). All that power calls for some much-needed rest. Adequate sleep helps maintain the pathways in your brain. Additionally, sleep deprivation can increase the build-up of a protein in your brain that is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

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Step 3: Do not get thirsty

You need to drink plenty of fluids to stop you getting dehydrated. Most health professionals recommend drinking 6 to 8 glasses every day. This is in addition to the fluid you get from the food you eat. 

  • All non-alcoholic drinks count, but water, lower fat milk and lower sugar drinks, including tea and coffee, are healthier choices. 

  • Try to avoid sugary soft and fizzy drinks, as they're high in calories. They're also bad for your teeth. 

  • Even unsweetened fruit juice and smoothies are high in free sugar.

  • Your combined total of drinks from fruit juice, vegetable juice and smoothies should not be more than 150ml a day, which is a small glass.

  • Remember to drink more fluids during hot weather or while exercising.

Step 4: The Alchemist

The miles will go by quickly when you listen to this classic audiobook! Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its simplicity and wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried in the Pyramids. Listen Risk Free through Audible.

Walk on,
Frank S. Ring
Author: Walking for Health and Fitness, Fitness Walking and Bodyweight Exercises, Walking Inspiration, and Walking Logbook Journal.

PS I take your health and fitness seriously, and you'll see that through the words I have written and the care taken to put the Walking Inspiration Newsletter (WIN) together. Thank you for trusting me to assist you on your journey to good health and fitness.

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