5 Surprising Benefits of Walking

The simple activity of walking has many powerful health benefits. Done regularly, it can be the key to losing weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and boosting memory, as well as reducing the risk for heart disease, diabete and more.

Any physical activity is great for overall health but walking in particular has many benefits:

1. Walking helps tame a sweet tooth and may reduce cravings and intake of sugary snacks.
2. Walking may help you maintain a healthy body weight and counteract the effects of weight-promoting genes.
3. Walking reduces the risk of breast cancer. Women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those walking up to three hours per week.
4. Walking eases joint pain and protects the knee and hip joints (which are more susceptible to osteoarthritis) by lubricating them and strengthening surrounding muscles.
5. Walking boosts immune function and may help protect you during cold and flu season by reducing the incidence and duration of sickness.

Are you inspired to step towards good health and making walking a part of your every day?

[1] Harvard Health. 5 surprising benefits of walking [Internet]. Harvard Health Publishing; Cambridge, MA. [updated 2023 Dec 7; cited 2024 Feb 21].