The Amazing Benefits of Walking for your Health

Ladies, how are you getting your cardio exercise? I used to be a runner until foot surgery made me change my mind.  Now I walk and hike for my cardio. Getting your daily steps in can do so much more than help you maintain weight loss. There are some amazing benefits of walking for your health.

This post is sponsored by adidas. However, all opinions are my own.

One of the most powerful ways to maintain a healthy weight, keep your joints strong, and live longer is also one of the simplest, no matter your age. The health benefits of walking are endless, and experts agree by adding walking to your daily routine, you can greatly improve your physical and mental health.

Benefits of Walking for Your Health

Improves Your Mood

Exercise, including walking, improves your mental health by releasing endorphins which can bring about feelings of euphoria and well-being. Going for a walk just makes you feel happier! One study found that just 12 minutes of walking resulted in an increase in joviality, vigor, attentiveness, and self-confidence versus the same time spent sitting.

In fact, research shows that just 10 minutes of walking can lift your spirits. Other recent research found walking during the COVID-19 pandemic could significantly improve mood. In fact, I wrote about walking during the pandemic here. It was amazing seeing so many people out walking during the pandemic.

Plus, The effect may be amplified even more if you take a stroll through some greenery. Research shows that regular walking actually modifies your nervous system so much that you’ll experience a decrease in anger and hostility, especially when you’re going for a stroll through some greenery or soaking in a bit of sunlight.

Walking Improves Heart and Bone Health

One of the major ways that walking can improve your heart health is by lowering your blood pressure.  The New England Journal of Medicine found that those who walked enough to meet physical activity guidelines had a 30% lower risk of cardiovascular events (like a heart attack or stroke) compared with those who did not walk regularly.

Walking can also help keep your bones strong and healthy, reducing your risk for bone loss later in life.

Hiking is another form of walking but a little more strenuous on your body. We enjoyed hiking at the Monkey Sanctuary as a family when we visited  Blue Ridge, Georgia this spring. Read Here.

We also hike in Park City and the surrounding areas in the summer. I wrote about taking your cardio outside in this post.

I wear these hiking shoes whenever I’m hiking. They are much more sturdier than wearing sneakers on rugged terrain.

You can shop hiking shoes HERE.

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Grab a pair of athletic women’s shoes and let’s go walking for your health!

Until next time!