The Benefits of Walking

Walking may be the most underrated form of exercise but science shows that putting one foot in front of the other leads to some super impressive health benefits—both mentally and physically.

When I was younger, I vividly remember going for walks with my Mom all over North Ogden and towards Pleasant View to visit my grandparents.  We talked all about teenagerhood and made up poems together. Memories I’ll always cherish!  And still today, Mom and I go walking on the hills and reminisce of yesterdays or catch up on current events. 

If you enjoy walking like I do, you might want to hear more about the awesome things walking can do for you! 

Here are 13 ways walking can benefit you from www.arthritis.org:

1. Walking improves circulation: it also keeps heart disease at bay, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart.
2. Walking shores up your bones: meaning it can stop the loss of bone mass for those with osteoporosis.
3. Walking leads to a longer life.
4. Walking lightens your mood: it releases natural painkilling endorphins to the body—an emotional benefit of exercising.
5. Walking may lead to weight loss: just 30 minutes of brisk walking can burn 200 calories.
6. Walking strengthens muscles: Did you know walking can tone your abdominal muscles?  We all knew walking can tone your legs but who knew about the abs?  This can increase your range of motion.
7. Walking improves sleep.
8. Walking supports your joints.  There is no harsh jarring, when walking, to any of your joints.
9. Walking improves your breath: walking helps your breathing rate increase causing oxygen to travel faster.
10. Walking slows mental decline.
11.  Walking lowers Alzheimer’s risk.
12.  Walking helps you do more, longer.
13.  Walking lowers stress and improves memory.

Walking is a lower impact exercise and can be done for long periods of time. Those with knee, back or ankle problems or those who are obese—walking has been found to be much more doable.

Even a daily walk can reduce the risk of stroke in both men and women. And have you ever considered that walking can help reduce anxiety?  There are so many reasons to get out and walk!

Recently, I decided to walk from my home in Harrisville to my favorite uphill location (900 West in Pleasant View). Usually, I drive my car to the nearby church and park in the parking lot; but, that day I decided to just walk the whole way!  And, I did!  Halfway through the walk I picked up my Mom and once again, we took to the hills, of course!  We trapesed all over the hills of North Ogden and took in the blue skies and open scenery.  The air was crisp and cool with a gentle breeze. Nothing could be better! All in all—I walked 12 miles that Saturday!  It was the best feeling! 

Next up: Walking to work! 

Get out and do something good for yourself today and take 30 minutes to go for a walk!  Your brain will thank you for the boost!  Your heart will thank you for the strength! And you’ll come home in a better mood!