It’s no secret that walking regularly is good for your health. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, it reduces stress, and it promotes good cardiovascular health. However, there’s a little more to it than that. Walking is a highly underrated form of exercise and has a wide variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
- Creativity Boost – If you’re stuck on a problem, take a walk! Studies show that people are generally more creative while walking compared to sitting.
- Improved Insulin Response – Walking can improve your body’s response to insulin, which in turn helps reduce belly fat.
- Lower Risk of Disease – studies show that you can reduce your risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and breast cancer through regular walking.
- Improved Digestion – Walking engages your core muscles and stimulates movement in your gastrointestinal system.
- Fewer Varicose Veins – Varicose veins are the result of weak veins in your calves and feet. Walking strengthens this “secondary circulatory system” and helps prevent varicose veins from forming.
- Stronger Bones – Studies find that women who walk for a minimum of four hours a week reduce their risk of hip fractures by 40 percent.
- Better Balance and Coordination – Regular walking not only keeps your muscles strong, but also keeps critical muscle memory intact.
- Less Joint Pain – Several studies find that regular walking reduces the pain associated with arthritis. Walking can also protect your joints, especially in your knees and hips.
- Stronger Immune System – Those who walk at least 20 minutes per day have stronger immune systems and report up to 43 percent fewer sick days
- Better Sleep – Walking may help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Morning walks are especially beneficial as the exposure to early daylight can help you maintain your natural sleep patterns.
