The Underrated Benefits of Walking
Why this simple exercise is more powerful than you think.
Written by Jill Biggins Gerbracht
I love to walk at the beach on any given day, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the beauty of nature. It not only grounds me, but it gets me outside and helps me clear my head—which reduces my stress and typically improves my mood. Yet walking is often underrated as not intense enough to provide any real health benefits or too simple and easy to be effective.
The truth is, walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise. It is a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. And walking has numerous—often overlooked—health benefits.
First and foremost, walking is a great way to improve cardiovascular health. It gets the heart rate up, which strengthens the heart and improves the body’s overall circulation. This can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. In fact, studies have shown walking can be just as effective as running for weight loss—and much easier on joints.
In addition to the positive physical aspects, walking can have a favorable effect on mental health as well. It releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the body promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation. This can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and boost overall feelings of well-being.
Walking is also a great way to improve one’s overall fitness level. It can help build strength in the legs, core and upper body, and help improve balance and coordination. This can reduce the risk of falls and injuries, especially as people get older.
Research has shown even low-intensity exercise like walking can have significant health benefits, especially when done consistently over time. Walking is a simple and effective way to improve cardiovascular health, manage weight, reduce stress and improve overall fitness.
So what are you waiting for? Lace up your walking shoes and start reaping the benefits of this fun and easy-to-access form of exercise!
Check out our handy “Walk this Way” seven-month progressive walking guide
Reasons to Love Walking:
- It’s a low-impact activity – Walking is gentle on your joints and can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels.
- It’s a great way to enjoy nature – Walking outdoors allows you to breathe fresh air and soak up some sunshine.
- It’s a stress reliever – Walking can help reduce stress and improve your mind.
- It’s a social activity – Walking can be a great way to socialize with friends or family, catch up on conversations or even make new connections.
- It’s a way to explore new places – Walking allows you to discover new neighborhoods, cities, trails, sights and sounds.
- It’s a way to improve wellness – Walking is a great way to improve your fitness level, increase endurance and build muscle strength.
- It’s a way to stay active and healthy – Walking regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic disease and improve your overall health.
- It’s a great time for reflection – Walking provides uninterrupted time to think or listen to a favorite podcast or audiobook.
- It puts you in a good mood!
