If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to exercise more, this new research will undoubtedly give you more reasons to fulfill it. A team of scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) (United Kingdom) has determined that walking in a group can reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease and depression , among other pathologies. The work has been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine .
The health benefits of walking have long been well documented . Now, the recommendation is to group together to encourage physical activity among the public. To attest to the benefits of going out for a group walk, the researchers analyzed a total of 42 studies with data from 1,843 participants from more than 14 countries that included people with type 2 diabetes, obesity, fibromyalgia, heart disease or even Parkinson’s.
Evaluating the health of the participants and their participation in walking groups, they found that those who had joined groups to go out for walks experienced significant reductions in their blood pressure, body fat, body mass index (BMI), resting heart rate and a decrease in your cholesterol. They also showed an improvement in their lung capacity and in their general physical conditions .
“Our research shows that joining a walking group is one of the best and easiest ways to boost overall health. The benefits are varied, and go beyond the physical . People who walk in groups also tend to have a more positive attitude toward physical activity, a shared experience of well-being, and say they feel less alone and isolated. Taking regular walks can also be a catalyst for other healthy behaviors. Walking really works, ”explains Sarah Hanson, study leader.
