The Many Benefits of Walking

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get moving. Use a brisk walk to meet the weekly recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity and start reaping the benefits today.

Walking doesn’t get the credit it deserves; putting one foot in front of the other is actually one of the most effective exercises for your overall health and wellbeing.

But what are the benefits?

First, walking improves your heart and lung health. Multiple studies show that walking as few as five miles per week — regardless of intensity — can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by nearly a third in both men and women. Consistent walkers see improvements in cardiac risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, vascular stiffness, and obesity.

Second, walking can ease and/or reduce arthritis-related joint pain. Research indicates that walking a few miles over the course of a week can prevent arthritis from forming and protect joints around the hips and knees by strengthening the surrounding muscles.

Third, walking can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Walking for as little as 30 minutes per day, five day a week can reduce body fat and burn between 750 – 1,000 calories, depending on the intensity and duration of your walks.

Finally, walking is associated with a host of other benefits related to both physical and mental health such as anxiety and stress relief, improved cognitive capacities, bolstered immune system functioning, and a reduced risk of develop type 2 diabetes.