When it comes to weight loss, walking is among the go-to methods for many. Even those who incorporate weight training combine it with walking or jogging either on a treadmill or outdoors. However, did you know that walking task has many more benefits than just helping you burn calories? Arnold Schwarzenegger explained what they are in his newsletter.
The bodybuilding legend has always been a fan of walking as a form of low-impact cardio. He had written about the mental health benefits of walking before. However, new research has found additional benefits, and Arnold Schwarzenegger couldn’t help but share them with his 600,000-strong “village.”
Walking: Simple but effective in more ways than one
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The 76-year-old Hollywood star wrote, “It’s time to check your step count,” if you’re feeling forgetful or anxious about your memory. The champion bodybuilder wrote that new research suggests that walking helps “fight memory loss and strengthen(s) your brain.” The study Arnold Schwarzenegger highlighted looked at the results of 30-minute walking sessions four times a week.
The study found that this “improved their memory and processing, connectivity, and creativity,” in the brain. The 76-year-old explained that walking regularly improves blood flow. The increased blood flow doesn’t just help your heart but also your brain. The increased flow to the brain strengthens “network connectivity.” This connectivity is how the different brain regions interact.
However, that’s not all. Arnold Schwarzenegger also wrote that walking “appears” to increase BDNF. It’s a protein that “helps your neurons survive.” What’s more? It helps “generate new ones.” This potential benefit could be game-changing as neurodegenerative diseases like Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Yet, this isn’t the first time Arie has highlighted the benefits of walking.
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It can help you beat the blues
Besides the benefits touted by the study, last year, Arnold Schwarzenegger highlighted how walking can have mental benefits. In a past edition of his newsletter, the 76-year-old had written that one morning, he felt a little depressed after getting out of bed. However, instead of dwelling on it, Arinie went about his daily routine and biked to Gold’s Gym.
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By the time he reached Gold’s Gym, the Austrian Oak didn’t feel gloomy. Arnie explained that walking has a similar effect on the brain. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, Schwarzenegger recommends going for a 30-minute walk. “Walking can disrupt the feedback loop of negative thoughts and elevate mood,” wrote the author. Hence, you might want to start counting your steps regularly for your mental well-being.