It’s easy to take it for granted. Walking is such a natural action. We do it every day – at work, while shopping, while taking out the garbage and while visiting friends and family. Many people think the only way to exercise is by running or lifting weights. They equate stressing out muscles and joints by running or jogging as the only way to work out and feel better. But something as simple as walking can be enough to make us feel better, and the health benefits can’t be denied.Walking has the lowest dropout rate of all physical activities, and it’s the simplest positive change you can do to improve your heart health. April 2 was National Walking Day, but we can walk to boost our health and mood all year 'round, so let’s take a look at how walking can help. According to the American Heart Association, here are eight benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day:
- Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
- Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Improve blood lipid profile
- Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
- Enhance mental well-being
- Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
- Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes