taylor-jacobs-25060-unsplash.jpg

As a busy professional driver it may seem impractical to join a gym and try to get there on a regular basis, especially if your goal is to meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly moderate physical activity.  Luckily, you don’t need a gym to enjoy the many benefits that exercise and physical activity have to offer.  An activity as simple as walking can provide you with these si key benefits:

Energy expenditure

Your body burns approximately 100 calories of energy for each mile walked.  By using up these calories you prevent your body from storing excess energy as fat and can help reduce your body weight.  The faster and longer you walk the more calories you can burn!

Improves oxygen flow through the body

Walking can increase the portion of your muscle cells that work to convert oxygen into energy.  This means that your body becomes more efficient at converting oxygen to energy.

Improves strength and function of the heart

Our hearts have the essential job of pumping blood to the muscles in our bodies.  Walking is a safe and effective way to strengthen the heart and help it become more efficient at moving blood.

Energy level boost

Instead of reaching for another soda or energy drink, you can try taking a walking break for some added energy.  Walking increases the oxygen flow to your brain while also increases levels of cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which are the hormones responsible for elevating energy levels.  Energy drinks are designed to elevate these hormones as well through the use of caffeine or other stimulants, but they also contain unnecessary calories and no health benefits.

Reduces effects of sitting

Sitting for extended periods of time can reduce levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which is an enzyme needed for fat metabolism.  Walking can help sustain levels of LPL and help metabolize fat into energy.

Enhances problem solving skills

Going for a walk can be an effective way to clear your mind, and when combined with the increased oxygen flow, you may find that you can think more clearly and logically to help you solve problems.

Bouts of walking for 10 minutes or more are recommended for optimal health benefits, but something is ALWAYS better than nothing!

Comments (0)

Bob Perry

Bob Perry is on a mission to educate drivers and share life-changing products and services to help professional drivers while on the road. Recognized as the Trucker Trainer™ by professional drivers nationwide, Bob brings a unique perspective to the transportation industry. As the President of Rolling Strong™, Bob provides the transportation companies and drivers and owner operators with in-terminal and on the road wellness programs.

Read These Next...

LIVE Smart

Streaking!

April 30, 2014

LIVE Smart

Support Your Local 5k

July 13, 2016