Go For a Walk! The Benefits of Walking & the Best Walking Spots in Bradenton & Sarasota
Our communities are chock-full of safe, well-maintained, and beautiful walking spots, and even in this summer heat, the mornings and evenings are nice enough to engage in this relaxing and fun activity. Going for a stroll is not only a great way to get some fresh air and a little sunshine, but it also contributes to your physical health. Let’s go over some of the benefits that walking can bring to your wellness and also provide you with some ideas of great places to enjoy while doing it.
Simply adding the habit of walking to your lifestyle can actually decrease arthritis-related pain. Your knees and hips are gently lubricated while walking, and the muscles that support these sensitive structures are strengthened by the mild exercise. In fact, if you haven’t already developed osteoarthritis, it may even be prevented by walking 5-6 miles per week.
In addition to burning calories and helping to keep your weight in check, walking can also assist in strengthening your heart. Walking at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week, can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by 19%! Researchers at the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute have linked exercise to a lower risk of 13 types of cancer. Certainly, going for daily walks is an easy introduction to developing a regimen of disease-incidence-reducing exercise.
Whether you prefer a stroll along the beach, a light hike on a maintained trail, or a paved walkway in a park, Bradenton and Sarasota are loaded with options. For the early risers, a sunrise walk on Siesta Beach is a very inexpensive and healthy way to start your morning. Bradenton’s Coquina Beach offers a 1.47 mile paved trail along the lovely white sands. If you prefer park-walking, you might try East Bradenton Park, with its outdoor exercise stations, or the 200 acre Bennett Park that was purchased by Manatee County under the Florida Forever Program. The Sarasota area offers Ackerman Park, where you can be on the lookout for Florida’s many bird species, and Bayfront Park, which also happens to be leashed-dog-friendly.
For something more challenging, Emerson Point Preserve in Manatee County has 5.8 miles of trails, some paved, and some composed of packed shells.
If you are experiencing joint pain, vertigo/dizziness/problems with your balance, or any sprains or strains, you don’t need to remain limited in enjoying the outdoor walking lifestyle so readily accessible here in Bradenton and Sarasota. The pain-specialist professionals at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida are equipped with the knowledge and experience to get you back on the trail! Find out more about our services or schedule an appointment by calling us at (941) 264-1414, or email us at Info@PTDoctorsFL.com. Our location and social media links are found on our Contact Us page.