I am sharing 9 Benefits of Daily Walking (but I know there are more than 9) to encourage you to add a walk to your daily routine. What is the one fun and simple thing that you can do that can have a powerful impact on your overall health? Take a walk!
There are many reasons to grab a good pair of walking shoes and get moving. Walking is one of my favorite exercises, from weight loss to better sleep at night, I make it a point to take a walk every day.
If you have not been exercising regularly or not at all, start with a visit to your physician and get a check-up.
Shoes, please!
After you get your all-clear for walking, purchase a good pair of walking shoes. It may be tempting to grab an old pair of sneakers out of the closet, however, you want to be sure your shoes are up for the task. Your shoes will help reduce the impact of your step, which is 1.5 times your body weight if you are walking.
The right shoe will also make the activity feel easier (thus you shall want to do it again!) and they will also support the arch, stabilize the heel, and encourage good alignment in the knees and hips. Take it from someone who has had numerous foot injuries and issues over the years. When your feet hurt it can cause havoc and it certainly takes the joy out of walking.
9 Benefits of walking daily:
- Walking burns calories therefore helping you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- It strengthens your bones and muscles while improving your endurance.
- Ease joint pain! Several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain and walking five to six miles a week can prevent arthritis from forming.
- Walking boosts your immune system.
- Can improve your mental health
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Reduces your risk of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Lowers stress levels by reducing the stress hormone cortisol.
- Boosts your brainpower
Bored with walking?
Try exploring the nature paths at local parks. Consider getting the app ALLTrails or Footpath to help guide the way to new routes and adventures.
Get Social! Join a walking group or create your own. While I do enjoy walking alone, I find getting outside and walking with friends will often encourage me to walk longer. Plus you get the benefits of being social.
A couple of years ago, I started a walking group on Facebook called Hiker Chicks so that I could have more friends to walk with. The group keeps growing which makes our walks fun and interesting.
Pressed for time: Why not suggest a walk the next time a friend wants to meet up for coffee? It is a perfect way to visit and get your steps in.
Do you have a favorite place to walk or a great walking shoe that you have found? Let me know! I love hearing from you.
Happy walking,
