Walking into Wellness: The Benefits of Walking 15 Min, 30 Min, or an Hour!

Last September, my PET scan showed that my cancer had spread to my spine in muliple places. Trying to regain focus and push through, I started to increase my workouts, especially my favorite routine, running at my local park. However, I noticed my back pain grew intense in the evenings. My oncologist advised me that due to the lesions in my spine and low bone density from the years of hormone therapy from the breast cancer, I would need to convert to low-intense workout and be gentle with my body. She suggested walking, but I didn't think I would get a "good enough" workout from just walking. So, I decided to look deeper into the benefits of walking and I found out some pretty amazing information for walking just 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour!

15 minutes of walking per day:

• Improves mood and reduces stress levels.

• Supports cardiovascular health and decreases the risk of heart disease.

• Helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity.

30 minutes of walking per day:

• Decreases resting heart rate and blood pressure, improving overall cardiovascular health.

• Helps to strengthen the heart and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

• Boosts mental well-being, reducing stress and enhancing mood.

1 hour of walking per day:

• Provides even greater cardiovascular benefits, increasing endurance and stamina.

• Further promotes weight loss and maintenance, as it burns more calories.

• Enhances overall fitness levels, improving lung capacity and muscle strength.
  

For my Thrivers, research says that walking can also help cancer patients tolerate chemotherapy/radiation treatments better and walking is also associated with lower mortality rates. Remember, these benefits can vary depending on factors such as intensity, terrain, and individual health conditions. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or personal trainer for personalized advice.

Wishing you an abundance of stregnth and wellness, wherever you are in your journey!

-LB