While walking may seem like an obvious form of exercise, most people do not walk enough for exercise. The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week. The good news is that brisk walking falls under this category. Walking is a great form of exercise because it is easy to fit in your schedule, it can be done anywhere, and you don’t need any fancy or expensive equipment to do it. Here are just a few of the many health benefits of walking:
- Walking makes you stronger. Walking is a good way to get your muscles activated and helps to improve muscular strength and endurance.
- It is good for your heart. Walking helps to improve cardiovascular and pulmonary health and can improve your endurance for all of your daily activities.
- It can help you to maintain a healthy weight.
- It decreases your risk for many health conditions and diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
- Walking can help to improve your mood and decrease stress.
- Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps to build strong bones. Maintaining good bone health will decrease your risk of osteoporosis.
Written By:
Dr. David Reymann
Staff Physical Therapist at Harbor Physical Therapy
