Walking是最好的方法之一improve your overall health— you cando it anywhere, anytime, and you only need a pair of good walking shoes. While you can reap the benefits with a独奏步行程序, research shows participating in a walking group could help maximize your mental and physical well-being.
THE SCIENCE
Ameta-study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine分析了42项研究，来自2,000多人的数据，发现与独奏的人相比，参加每日小组步行的人的平均血压，静息心率，体内脂肪，体重和总胆固醇的平均水平显着降低。
In addition to those benefits, improvements in mental health and overall performance were also noted, with walking group members showing areduction in depressive symptomsand a higheraerobic (lung) capacity.
WHY YOU SHOULD WALK WITH OTHERS
YOU’RE MORE LIKELY TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF
“People tend to walkfurther and fasterin walking groups,” says Sarah Hanson, PhD, one of the lead researchers of the study. When you have someone next to you who is pushing the pace, you’ll be less likely to slow down, and the miles will feel like they’re ticking by even faster. Pushing the pace is important, sincewalking briskly (100 steps per minute) is tied to longevity and better overall health.
IT HELPS CEMENT A HEALTHY HABIT
“Joining a group is important for习惯形成,” notes Hanson. “If you say you’ll see your workout partners at the same time next week, you’re more likely to show up.” Moreover,research showsyou’re more likely to stick with a walking group long-term (Think: Greater than six months) compared to a solo walking routine.
READ MORE >THE PROS AND CONS OF WALKING WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
IT ADDS A SOCIAL ELEMENT
Lonelinesscan contribute to adverse health issues such as depression and sedentary behavior. The team sports element to walking groups (or just the chance to chat with others in-person) can provide a much-needed social aspect that keeps walking fun and engaging. Thisboosts your mood levels，在您喜欢的东西时，可以更轻松地坚持健康的习惯。
THE BOTTOM LINE
“Walking is a great entry-level activity for people in poor health, which is one reason walking groups are increasingly prescribed as treatments from general practitioners,” says Hanson. Even if you’re already in good shape, the benefits oflowering cholesterol通过与他人同行来改善有氧耐力是改善您没有药物健康的好方法，尤其是当您认为步行实际上没有有害的副作用时。
While walking on your own is better than not walking at all, walking groups can be a great way to meet new people while boosting your health. Find your group via anonline meetup或者throughthis nonprofit walking organization. For a more competitive club, join arace-walking group. Just make sure to follow your state’s guidelines forwearing a mask and social distancing on walks. If you’re not ready to walk with others, you can alwaysform a family group或者recruit a furry friend.
To become more active, try setting a simple goal to increase (and track) your daily steps. Go to“Plans” in the MyFitnessPal appand choose a 28-day step plan to learn tips to boost your activity.
