Walking is often lauded as a great way to get some exercise. And while that’s definitely true, it’s not the only reason you should lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement. Walking has some powerful benefits that go way beyond burning calories or getting in shape. In fact, regular walking can lead to improved mental and physical health, and even help you to live longer. Here are 8 benefits of walking that are supported by science.
- Top 8 Walking Benefits
- 1. Walking boosts your mood and helps to fight depression
- 2. Walking can help you to lose weight and keep it off
- 3. Walking improves heart health
- 4. Walking reduces the risk of cancer
- 5. Walking helps to improve bone and joint health
- 6. Walking can improve your memory and cognitive function
- 7. Walking can lengthen your life
- 8. Walking is free and easy to do
Top 8 Walking Benefits
1. Walking boosts your mood and helps to fight depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. If you’re struggling with depression, you may feel hopeless, tired, and down. But there’s good news – regular walking can help to improve your mood and fight depression.
One study found that walking just 30 minutes a day, four times a week, was enough to help people with mild to moderate depression to feel better. Walking can also help to ease the symptoms of anxiety and stress. So next time you’re feeling down, go for a walk – it may be just what you need to boost your mood.
2. Walking can help you to lose weight and keep it off
If you’re trying to lose weight, walking can be a great way to help you reach your goals. And even better, once you’ve lost the weight, walking can help you to keep it off.
A study of overweight and obese adults found that those who walked for just 30 minutes a day, five days a week, lost significant amounts of weight and kept it off for at least a year. Another study found that walking helped people to maintain their weight loss over a period of 12 years. So if you’re looking to lose weight, make walking a part of your daily routine.
3. Walking improves heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that walking can help to improve heart health.
One large study found that walking just 30 minutes a day, five days a week, was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of heart disease. Walking can also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two other risk factors for heart disease. So if you want to keep your heart healthy, make sure to get your daily walk in.
4. Walking reduces the risk of cancer
Cancer is another leading cause of death worldwide, but there’s some good news – walking can help to reduce the risk of cancer.
One large study found that walking just 30 minutes a day, five days a week, was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of breast cancer. Other studies have found that walking can also help to reduce the risk of colon cancer and prostate cancer. So if you want to lower your cancer risk, make sure to walk for at least 30 minutes a day.
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5. Walking helps to improve bone and joint health
As we age, our bones and joints can start to deteriorate, which can lead to pain and mobility problems. But regular walking can help to improve bone and joint health.
One study found that walking just 30 minutes a day, three times a week, was enough to increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Walking can also help to reduce the risk of arthritis and improve joint function. So if you want to keep your bones and joints healthy, make sure to walk regularly.
6. Walking can improve your memory and cognitive function
Walking isn’t just good for your physical health – it’s also good for your mental health. Walking can help to improve your memory and cognitive function.
One study found that walking just 30 minutes a day, three times a week, was enough to improve memory and cognitive function in older adults. Another study found that walking can also help to delay the onset of dementia. So if you want to keep your mind sharp, make sure to get your daily walk in.
7. Walking can lengthen your life
Walking isn’t just good for your physical health and mental health – it’s also good for your lifespan.
One large study found that walking just 30 minutes a day, five days a week, was associated with a significant increase in lifespan. In fact, the study found that walking was associated with a 20% reduction in the risk of death. So if you want to live a long and healthy life, make sure to walk regularly.
8. Walking is free and easy to do
One of the best things about walking is that it’s free and easy to do. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and you can walk anywhere, anytime.
You can walk outdoors in nature, or indoors in a mall or on a treadmill. You can walk with a friend or family member, or walk alone. You can even walk your dog. Walking is a great way to get some exercise, and it’s something that everyone can do.
So what are you waiting for? Start walking today and enjoy all the amazing benefits that it has to offer.
