Walking for Wellness
Since moving to Rome over a month ago, I’ve been walking at least 5 miles a day and often over 15,000 steps…without even thinking about it! Walking is one of the healthiest activities you can do.
The many benefits of walking, for mind, body and soul.
Since moving to Rome over a month ago, I’ve been walking at least 5 miles a day and often over 15,000 steps… without even thinking about it!
As a yoga and fitness instructor, I’ve always had an active lifestyle. Living in LA, however, we rely on our car to go everywhere!
It’s amazing how my body feels after literally tripling the amount of walking I do each day.
Although, it’s been an adjustment! I’ve had blisters, shin splints, and bought 2 new pairs of shoes! I figured my feet are now my transportation so I needed to invest in being comfortable to walk everywhere I go.
It’s been so freeing to not have a car, and especially, to not sit in traffic for hours (literally) each week.
The European lifestyle differs from the US in many ways (which I'll get into in future articles), but one major benefit here is the amount of walking.
It’s getting exercise in without even thinking about it.
Walking is one of the healthiest activities you can do.
Here are 12 incredible benefits of walking:
- It’s easy to work into your schedule. You can do it anywhere!
- It reduces stress and improves mood.
- Boosts immune function.
- Can be a form of meditation, especially when in nature.
- Gets the heart rate at a steady state for fat burning.
- Assists in weight loss.
- Lowers blood sugar.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Strengthens muscles in the legs and the core.
- Improves heart health.
- It's low-impact exercise so it’s more gentle on your joints.
- Improves sleep.
Of course, walking somewhere that inspires you is even more wonderful!
Here in Rome I get lost in the charming, winding streets, passing ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Forum, and have all the stunning parks to wander through.
Wherever you live, even if it’s a car-focused city, find a park, a hike, a neighborhood that you’d love to explore.
Walking is a form of exercise with so many benefits, not just for the physical body, but for the mind and soul, too!
Walking has been a way for me to slow my mind down, to be present in my surroundings, and to get movement in without feeling the pressure to “exercise.”
It combines the benefits for a healthy physical body, with mindfulness and meditation.
Give it a try and let me know how you feel! Please share in the comments or contact me here anytime. I love to connect with my readers.
Walking past the amazing Colosseum in Rome.
Sending amore from Roma!
Jenny Geyser
Founder of Brillare Wellness - Vibrant living the Italian way!
Certified Yoga Instructor E-RYT 500
Certified Nutrition & Wellness Coach
Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle | Plant-Focused
Yoga & Fitness OnDemand | Wellness Lifestyle Blog | Soul-Nourishing Retreats
Instagram: @jennygeyseryoga @brillarewellness
Based in Rome, Italy