Sure, walking doesn’t exactly train you for a marathon or make that barre class any easier to endure, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a really healthy form of exercise.
In fact, walking may help you reduce your risk of several lifestyle-related health conditions (like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes) just as much as running, according to the American Heart Association. Researchers identify a “brisk pace” as the best option (that’s 3 to 4 MPH), but even participants who walk at more leisurely paces consistently see results, too. In this video, learn more about how walking can benefit your overall health.
References
American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). The benefits of walking.
Hanson, S., et al. (2015). Is there evidence that walking groups have health benefits? A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Heesch, K.C., et al. (2011). Concurrent and prospective associations between physical activity, walking and mental health in older women. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Heesch, K.C., et al. (2008). Do walking and leisure-time physical activity protect against arthritis in older women? Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Moreau, K.L., et al. Increasing daily walking lowers blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Williamson, L. (2022). Walking your way to better health? Remember the acronym FIT. American Heart Association.
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