7 Health Benefits of Walking
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your health and well-being. Whether you walk for leisure, fitness, or transportation, you can enjoy the following benefits of walking every day.
- Burn calories. Walking can help you burn calories and lose weight. The amount of calories you burn depends on your speed, distance, terrain, and weight. You can use a calorie calculator to estimate your calorie burn or a pedometer to track your steps.
- Strengthen the heart. Walking can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by 19 percent.
- Lower blood sugar. Walking can help lower your blood sugar levels and prevent or manage type 2 diabetes. A small study found that walking for 15 minutes after each meal improved blood sugar levels more than walking for 45 minutes once a day.
- Ease joint pain. Walking can lubricate and strengthen the muscles that support your joints, reducing pain and stiffness. Walking may also prevent or delay the onset of arthritis by preserving your cartilage.
- Boost immune function. Walking can enhance your immune system and help you fight off infections. A study found that walking for 30 to 45 minutes a day reduced the number of sick days and the severity of symptoms in adults.
- Boost your energy. Walking can increase your oxygen intake and blood circulation, giving you more energy and alertness. Walking can also stimulate the release of hormones that enhance your mood and motivation.
- Improve your creativity. Walking can spark your imagination and inspire new ideas. A study found that walking improved both convergent and divergent thinking, which are essential for problem-solving and creative thinking.
As you can see, walking has many health benefits that you can enjoy with minimal effort and cost. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and some time to spare. So, what are you waiting for? Start walking today and see the difference it can make in your life.