Let’s Go For A Walk!

Walking outside in the Texas summer heat may not be high on your to-do list—but what if we told you getting your steps in had more benefits than you think?! Walking can not only benefit your physical health but your mental health as well. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Ways Walking Improves Your Health

Daily walks are an excellent way to keep your body in shape this season. A Harvard study found walking cuts the effects of weight-gain genes in half and—BONUS—can reduce cravings for carbohydrates and sugary snacks. When you get a craving for sweets, take a 15-minute walk outside instead—you may forget about wanting sugar and start craving the walks instead.

Then there’s the pain reduction factor. Do your knees and hips ache? Take a stroll to reduce joint pain, especially if you tend toward arthritis. Walking just 5 to 6 miles a week can help you prevent arthritis in the first place! Moving protects your joints, especially knees, and hips, by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that support your body. 

We could all use a little bit less stress and a little bit more energy in our lives, couldn’t we?! Taking a walk can benefit both of these levels. You may find yourself feeling more energized after a walk because of increased blood flow—that’s all you need! Walking also releases endorphins into our bodies that decrease levels of stress and anxiety. An evening stroll us a great option to unwind after a long day.

Flu and cold season are no fun—what if there was an easy way to help combat the germs? Walking about 20 minutes a day, five days a week helps keep you from getting sick and may shorten your illness if you catch a bug. Oftentimes the best medicine is a little bit of activity and Vitamin D right outside your front door.

Finally, you can significantly cut your risk of breast cancer by walking seven or more hours a week. The previously mentioned Harvard study also found ladies who walked more than seven hours a week had a 14% decrease in risk of breast cancer! Getting out and getting those steps in helps to increase your metabolism and wakes up your muscles—encouraging an overall healthier lifestyle. Walking is more important now than ever.

Getting Your Benefits the Easy Way

The Colony in Bastrop is the perfect place for our residents to get outside and walk! Enjoy an unbeatable trail system with parks and scenic green spaces so beautiful you may not even notice you’re exercising. We have paved and unpaved trails connecting our neighborhoods, so you don’t have to go far to take a walk early in the morning before the day heats up or during your lunch break to clear your head. No time during your workday? Go for a sunset walk. Get the family to join you for some time together!

The Colony is Your Healthy Haven

With so many options, getting your seven hours of walking per week will be easy and fun. Contact us today to find your place in our healthy and happy community.