Health Benefits of Walking

Those of us who are lucky enough to be able-bodied and perfectly capable of putting one foot in front of the other should be walking at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Why? Because walking brings enormous benefits for our health, both physically and mentally.

​This article from Fresh Daily Health details several ways in which walking can help us lead healthier lives. Benefits of regular walks include:

• Prevents muscle atrophy
• Improves blood circulation
• Builds muscle
• Builds stronger bones
• Lowers risk of several diseases such as heart conditions, cancer and diabetes
• Leads to weight loss
• Prevents dementia
• Boosts Vitamin D levels
• Increases energy levels
• Extends life span
• Boosts mental health

On this last point, it is worth highlighting that walking can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and combat that nagging desire to do nothing that comes with a clinically significant depression. So, if you can find a few breaks on your calendar daily, even if it is just 10 to 15 minutes two or three times a day, get out there and start putting one foot in front of the other! Your body will thank you.