What are the health benefits of walking?

So far you probably know that walking has many health benefits. But what are those benefits? I bet you heard many times an expression ‘take a hike, it’s good for you!’. Well, let me tell you something, experts encourage you to follow this particular advice because walking really IS good for you. There’s no question about it.

Walking is often called the art of travelling by foot, and it represents human’s natural means of transportation. However, with today’s society full of cars and other vehicles, walking is almost forgotten and kind of a lost art. This must be changed. Health experts say that walking has so many health benefits for you.

Here are some that we have compiled just for you.

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Health benefits

Walking is a cardio vascular workout that:

• aids in alleviation of depression and lower back pain
• can help reduce your risk of heart disease
• aids in maintaining a healthy weight
• improves coronary condition
• increases your muscular strength
• reduces risks of infection and hypertension
• curbs the decrease in bone density

Also, it will help in maintaining flexibility and coordination hence, reducing the risk of falls. Like almost all forms of exercise, it adds more health and zest to your life!

Social and economic benefits

Aside from the health benefits, walking has some great social and economic impact in today’s society as well!

As you know, walking is free. So, if you compare it to driving a car, which is approximately 5,170 dollars a year, walking will not cost you anything at all!

Walking gives you more time to interact with other people. It is scientifically proven that walking improves your self-esteem, relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety and improves your mood. Walking, particularly in pleasant surroundings, and with other people, offers many opportunities for relaxation and social contact.

Environmental benefits

Did you know that walking is the only form of transportation that will not contribute to air pollution?

Motor vehicle emissions represent 31% of total carbon dioxide, 81% of carbon monoxide, and 49% of nitrogen oxides released in the United States alone, and thus create 60 percent of air pollution. Although individual cars are much cleaner today than they were 20-30 years ago, if total traffic continues to grow, overall air quality will deteriorate. Cars and trucks burn millions of barrels of oil, a non-renewable energy source, every single day!

Transportation benefits

Also, there’s something else that is interested about the walking exercise: walking will not contribute to traffic and it requires less space than cars. That way it reduces the risk of vehicular accidents on the road. Walking can help to reduce roadway congestion. Many streets and highways carry more traffic than they were designed to handle, resulting in wasted time and energy, pollution, driver frustration, and gridlock.

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We suggest you to walk every day for at least 30 minutes. It’s good for you, so don’t discount walking! If you do it every day, you will soon feel many health benefits of walking!