Muscle Evolved

Is Walking Good For You?

By Caleb Hester · · Updated

Contents

If you are like me, you despise running and will do everything in your power to not have the need to do that cardio. Unlike running, I love a good afternoon walk, but, is it really good for you? After some research, I think you’d be surprised how healthy walking can be for you, and even for your walking buddy relationship.

Is Walking Healthy?

Many studies show that walking is good for your health, but sometimes it helps to get out of the “around the block” rut and into something more challenging and fun.

Yes. A review of 18 studies with more than 459,000 people found that people who walked the most had about a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 32% lower risk of dying during the studies than those who walked the least. Walking pace mattered even more than distance. Read More

The CDC counts brisk walking toward the 150 minutes a week of moderate activity adults should aim for, which lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers.

Is Walking Good For You?

Walk for a Cause

Is Walking Good For You?

Long-distance walking events help get you in shape–and if you walk for a good cause, your stroll can raise funds for groups that need it. An added bonus: Walking as part of a team can increase enjoyment, keep you focused, and build great friendships.

What is a walking team? Charity walks often let you sign up as a team of friends, coworkers, or family members. Training together keeps you accountable, and the shared goal gives your walks extra meaning.

Read more on where you can find a walking event near you

Walking Tames Your Sweet-tooth?

Is Walking Good For You?

Okay, now if you are really like me, you have a sweet tooth. But, can walking really cut down your craving for sweets?

Well, according to Harvard Health, again, “A pair of studies from the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute walk can curb cravings for chocolate and even reduce the amount of chocolate you eat in stressful situations.” With this information, why not go for a walk anytime you are craving sweets!? Read More

Walking Helps Your Immune System

Is Walking Good For You?

Not only does walking help with your risk of dying, helps raise money for a cause, and curbs your sweets craving, but it also boosts your immune system.

Harvard Health reports that “A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less.” Read More

Does Walking Help You Lose Weight?

Is Walking Good For You?

So, we learned that walking is indeed healthy for you, but can it help you lose weight?

In the Journal of Obesity study, we learn more about this subject. 92 first-year college women were assigned to a daily goal of 10,000, 12,500, or 15,000 steps for 24 weeks. All three groups gained a similar amount of weight and fat, so more steps alone did not prevent weight gain.

Don’t let this research discourage you from walking. The researchers suggested that exercise intensity or changes to diet are needed alongside activity. Walking burns calories and supports your other weight-loss efforts, but on its own it works best paired with a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Walking is healthy for us all. A regular walking routine supports your heart, may mean fewer sick days, can curb that sweets craving, and can even help raise funds for a good cause. We all should find more time to walk and enjoy the benefits that come along with it.

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