5 Reasons to Take a Walk Outside—Now!

By: StacyAtZeel

Under normal circumstances, winter air would drive most of us to take public transportation to get from one place to another. But this year, with the temperatures as they are, we've run out of excuses.

"Go take a brisk walk in the sun!" suggests Zeel

Sunshine and exercise is good for kids and adults.
Sunshine and exercise is good for kids and adults.

massage therapist and holistic health expert Madeline Michaels. "The body needs sunshine and oxygen to thrive just as plants do."

Besides the chance to move your legs and squeeze a bit of added exercise into an otherwise sedentary day at the office, Madeline gives us five more reasons to get up and get out. Happy trails!

Soak up the sun-and vitamin D. Sunshine on your face and body increases vitamin D synthesis. Just 10 to 15 minutes a day can do the trick. Vitamin D is known to regulate cell growth and ward off the formation of cancerous cells and bone disease. Something else it's good for? Your noggin.

Burn baby burn.
For some, walking can be a great way to lose weight. Brisk walking raises the metabolism. In fact, women who take advantage of all opportunities to walk (like taking the stairs, not the elevator, for example) can burn up to 200 extra calories in a day.

Activate your adrenals. Walking stimulates the adrenals in a healthy way, keeping you limber and clearing the lungs. Walk in a park or along a river to avoid car exhaust and pollution if you live in an urban environment.

Perk up your pineals.
Sunshine helps activate the pineal gland, which is responsible for the body's circadian rhythm. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, which is a powerful antioxidant that controls blood sugar, sleeping and the pituitary gland. In other words, taking a walk outdoors could help you get some serious shuteye.

Live well, be well.
Basking in sunshine as you move your body-even if only for a few minutes a day-can boost energy levels and that overall feeling of happiness. With little hesitation, most of us can honestly say that those are feelings that have never been evoked while riding public transportation.