BENEFITS OF DAILY WALKING
You’ve probably heard that walking is good for you… But how exactly?!
Here are a few of my favorite science-backed ways that walking can improve overall health:
Improves Mental Health: Walking has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. I like to say, “It’s hard for depression to hit a moving target!”
Supports Heart Health: Walking increases your heart rate, which strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease over time.
Strengthens Your Body: Regular walking increases blood circulation, which can reduce joint pain, support bone health, and help maintain balance/coordination as we age.
Improves Sleep & Brain Function: Being physically active during the day has consistently been shown to help sleep quality, memory, focus, and thinking.
Supports Weight Management: It’s a simple, low-impact way to burn calories and increase daily expenditure, combined with proper nutrition and strength training.
Encourages a More Active Lifestyle: Walking is a simple habit to build on your identity of being a person who moves their body consistently!
Here are some simple, practical ways to get your steps in and enjoy walking:
Set a Goal: I love having a step goal! Find your current amount, and then work up from there, adding in 1,000-2,000 extra steps.
Listen to Something: Music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc. This is a good way to keep your mind engaged and enjoy it!
Make it Social: Walk with a friend or group, or even talk to someone on the phone.
Explore: Change up your route and explore new places to keep it exciting!
Look For Every Opportunity: Park farther away from stores, take the stairs, etc. There are always sneaky chances to get some extra steps in!
KEY TAKEAWAY:
You don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight.
Small habits, repeated consistently over time, will make a big difference!
I encourage you to find fun ways to get more steps in throughout the day & enjoy an active lifestyle…
Little by little adds up!
