Regular exercise and activity improve overall health – this we know. But did you know that walking can reduce the risk of developing many chronic diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and certain cancers while controlling and reducing the likelihood of obesity?

Walking is probably one of the most accessible and affordable exercises there is. No need for expensive gym fees or monitoring devices; simply hop into your runners, and off you go!

What are the health benefits of walking regularly?

 

 

Top Ten Health Benefits of Walking

 

• Walking boosts blood flow to the brain, decreases stress hormones and releases endorphins, improving mood, lowers depression and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
• Increasing your heart rate improves blood flow and helps the heart pump more efficiently, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Weight – walking helps you lose weight.
• Helps mental health – lowers anxiety and stress.
• Builds bone and muscle mass.
• Lowers Cholesterol
• Connect with nature – being outdoors is well documented as a mood enhancer, a mental health benefit and helps us connect with nature which can only be positive.
• Fresh air – outdoor walking, especially in the countryside helps us get the freshest air; fresh air helps breathing conditions such as asthma.
• Supports mindfulness – take in what you see, hear, feel in your surroundings and focus on the present moment.
• Socially advantageous- when you are walking you are out of the house, experiencing life, seeing other people and maybe meeting up with walking groups to socialise while exercising.

 

Walking is free, easy and accessible. With many health benefits, why not challenge yourself and walk for health!