4 Surprising Health Benefits of Walking You Might Not Know About

You probably already know that walking can help trim your waistline, but there are far more benefits to walking than just improving your numbers on that fitness tracker.

Here are four surprising benefits of walking that’ll get you lacing up your sneakers.

1. Your Long-Term Health

The health benefits of walking a few hours a week: You can lower your risk of health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. According to a study by Harvard Health Publications, walking for 2.5 hours a week can cut your risk of heart disease by 30 percent.

Walking has also been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and keep you mentally sharp.

2. Your Mood

If you’re ever feeling down in the dumps, it may be a good time to hit the sidewalk. Multiple studies have found that it’s as effective as prescription drugs for decreasing depression, according to Harvard Health Publications. As you put one foot in front of the other you receive a boost of mood-elevating endorphins.

3. Your Risk of Obesity

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions is the U.S. Thankfully, we can take proactive measures, like taking a fast-paced walk. In fact, a University of Utah study found that every minute of brisk walking lowered women’s risk of obesity by 5 percent.

4. Your Community

As more people walk around their neighborhoods, there’s a correlation to the reduction in neighborhood crimes and an improvement in the local economy, according to Harvard Health Publications. It’s also a good way to connect with the community around you.

The benefits of walking are more than just steps; it’s a path to a better lifestyle.

Sources:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/walking-for-health

http://archive.unews.utah.edu/news_releases/move-it-and-lose-it-every-brisk-minute-counts/

http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/walking-for-health