Ever noticed that you seem to feel better after a walk? That’s not just your imagination. Walking has significant, proven health benefits. Here are our 10 favorites:
Walking puts you in a better mood. Many studies have shown a link between walking for exercise and improved mood and lower stress. Walking in nature can amplify these benefits.
Walking can reduce your blood pressure. A study in Korea showed decreased blood pressure when subjects walked 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Walking will help you lose weight. Walking burns more calories, but it can also help offset genetic tendencies towards obesity. According to a Harvard study, one hour of walking a day can reduce these influences by half.
Walking can help fight cancer. Another Harvard study showed women who walked just 1 to 3 hours per week reduced their risk of death from breast and uterine cancers by 19%. And men with prostate cancer 57% less likely to see their disease progress if they walked at least 3 hours a week.
Walking is good for your bones. A Nurse’s Health study showed that women who walk 4 hours or more a week saw a 40% reduction in hip fractures.
Walking is good for your heart. Walking 30 minutes a day at a medium pace can reduce a woman’s risk of heart disease by 40% per a Harvard Study.
Walking can help you sleep better. Walking outdoors, especially in the morning, can help your body get in tune with our natural daily rhythms. The activity and daylight can set your internal clock and help you fall asleep faster and sleep better that night.
Walking is great if you are pregnant. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, walking 30 minutes a day can help prevent back problems, swelling constipation and other “joys” of pregnancy.
Walking helps your brain. Walking results in a 50% reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to research from Rush University.
Walking helps you solve problems. Walking calms your nerves and your brain, allowing you to think more creatively and solve problems. Since walking occupies some of your brain, it productively distracts the jumpy part, while allowing the creative part to do its thing. Stuck on a problem? Go for a walk.
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