Benefits of walking

Walking is a simple but effective form of exercise that offers a wide range of positive effects on health, including physical, mental and social benefits. Including a walk or two in your daily routine can promote better overall health and wellbeing.

Here are some of the many benefits of walking.

Improved cardiovascular health

Regular walking is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health. It enhances circulation, helps lower blood pressure, and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Walking at a brisk pace increases heart rate, promoting better overall cardiovascular fitness.

Easier weight management

Walking is an effective tool for weight management and can contribute to weight loss when combined with a balanced diet. It engages multiple muscle groups and burns calories, making it an accessible exercise for individuals of varying fitness levels.

Mood elevation

Getting into a regular walking routine enhances your overall mood. When you get walking, especially if it’s outside, your brain releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators and pain relievers. Therefore, walking more may help reduce stress and anxiety.

Better joint health and flexibility

Unlike aerobics and high-intensity interval training, which can place a lot of stress and force through the joints, walking is gentler on the joints. Walking promotes joint health by lubricating joints and improving the flexibility of the surrounding muscles. This makes walking an ideal exercise for individuals with arthritis or joint-related pain.

Improved posture and balance

Walking contributes to better posture and balance by engaging core muscles and improving total-body coordination. It's an effective form of exercise for strengthening the skeletal muscles, including those that support the core, such as the abdominals and spinal erectors. Better anterior and posterior core support improves posture and is especially beneficial for those who spend long hours sitting down.