5 Benefits of Walking

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of exercises that are constantly popping up in the workout world. If you’re totally new to exercising, finding something that works for you can feel a bit intimidating! If you’re just getting started, start slow, start with the basics, and recognize the benefits of walking. Walking is very beneficial, and I think these benefits might just inspire you to walk to work or take a walking lunch break!

Here are 5 Great Benefits of Walking:

1) Improved Circulation

One of the benefits of walking is improved circulation. Walking, especially walking quickly, increases your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure. The result is improved circulation throughout your whole body.

2) Weight management

Another benefit of walking is weight management. A brisk 30-minute walk burns 200 calories, which can translate into weight loss if you are also incorporating dietary portion control. Walking won’t make you look like a bodybuilder, but it will make you look leaner and will help you stand taller!

3) Avoid Atrophy

Sitting all day at work can cause problems for your glutes. Atrophy is when your muscle cells degenerate, and it happens because of lack of use! When you walk, make a conscious effort to engage your glutes for the entirety of your walk. You will notice a difference in the shape of your butt, but you will also be improving muscles that have been wasting away in your office chair.

4) Improve Your Mood

Like running, walking releases endorphins, which translate into a happier you! Walking can also give you time to decompress after a long day and help you organize your thoughts and lower your cortisol, which your body releases in response to stress. Once you start walking routinely, you’ll notice you feel healthier emotionally, not just physically!

5) Cognitive Memory

Walking has been shown to improve the memory of people beyond the age of 50. The increased blood circulation increases oxygen flow to the brain, which improves its overall performance. This memory-boosting power is another one of the great benefits of walking.

Now that you know a few of the benefits of walking consider how to incorporate more walking into your daily life! You can take your dog on long walks, walk to the corner store rather than driving to the supermarket, take a walking lunch break. If possible, walk to and from work! There are even groups of people that do “mall walking.” You can get in a brisk walk around the mall while doing some window shopping (or some actual shopping)!

There are so many ways to incorporate more activity into your daily life. Knowing the benefits of walking, you’ll have even more motivation to take those extra steps!