Walking is a great form of exercise which sadly, considering the numerous benefits that it makes available, is all too frequently overlooked by many people. It’s a form of exercise that’s suitable for almost anyone. There’s no need for any special equipment, training or expertise. There’s no need to make time for a trip to the gym either (and no membership fees) – so you can fit it into your daily routine as and when it suits you best.

The drop out rate for walking is lower than almost all other exercise types, and it can be undertaken up to ages where other exercise methods would not be suitable for the majority of people. It also has the benefit of being a low impact workout which, compared to other exercise options, has a very low risk of injury.

Maybe we have something of a “no pain, no gain” mentality – but it can be hard to believe that an exercise mode which is so cheap, easy and freely available can provide so many health benefits. Nevertheless, the benefits are proven, well established and numerous.

Walking can reduce the probability of strokes and heart problems. It can help to reduce your blood pressure. It can counter depression and anxiety, improve your mental well being and your mood. Walking regularly will give you higher levels of energy – you will be less fatigued throughout the day. It can even lower the risk of contracting certain forms of cancer and recent studies suggest that it can lower the probability of Alzheimer’s. For a lot of people, one of the key attractions of walking will be the fact that it leads to weight loss and a reduction in body fat.

It’s a long list of benefits. It could be an advert for some new wonder drug or miracle diet supplement – but it isn’t. To achieve these benefits no more than small modifications to your daily routine are required. Walking for as little as half an hour a day will produce positive results. If you can gradually work up to 10,000 steps each day – which is, for most people, about 5 miles – and is much more readily achievable than you might imagine, you will really start to see results. You will both look and feel better.

One piece of advice that is frequently offered is to walk to work or the shops instead of taking the car. Maybe the distance involved is too great to make that a practical proposition for many people – but there are still many possibilities for you to include extra walking in your daily activities on a consistent and regular basis. If you travel by bus get off a couple of stops early and finish your journey on foot. Forget the elevator and use the stairs every second time. At lunch time, go for a fifteen minute walk around the block. These are just a few examples of how to gain significant health benefits just by making some very minor changes to your daily routine. There are plenty more.

Remember to check with your doctor before commencing any new fitness routine – especially if you haven’t exercised for a while or if you have any existing medical conditions. The important thing in order to gain health benefits is to exercise on a regular basis. You don’t need to over exert yourself or get out of breath. Incorporate regular walking activity into your daily schedule and, before you know it, you will have more energy, look better, feel better and be able to enjoy life more.

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