Five Health Benefits of Walking

If the general health benefits of losing weight and improving overall health are not enough to motivate you to develop a regular walking program, look at these five specific health benefits of walking. One (or all five) might just be the motivational factor you need to get up and go for a walk.

Walking Reduces Joint Stiffness and Strengthens Bones

Regular walking will help prevent the development of arthritis and osteoporosis as you age. If you already have joint stiffness due to arthritis or bone loss due to osteoporosis, walking can help reverse the damage and ease the pain.

Walking enables the body to provide natural antioxidants and nutrients to joints, bones and muscles, which in turn helps repair damage and reduce stiffness and pain.

Walking Boosts Energy

A decline in the level of energy does not have to be accepted as a normal part of getting older, walking boosts energy, naturally. Over time, walking 30 minutes every day will increase your energy level enough so you can add another component to your exercise routine, like going for a bike ride or swim, or taking up a new sport like tennis.

Walking Strengthens Immune System

Do you seem to be the one that catches every virus that comes along? Walking can help cut down the number of times you get sick by strengthening your immune system. When you are active, disease fighting cells circulate through the body destroying invading virus germs. Daily walking keeps the fighting cells circulating and warding off colds, flu and other 'bugs', plus a strong immune system helps protect you against cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Walking is a Good Mood Exercise

When you are walking, your body is releasing endorphins. Endorphins are brain chemicals that relieve pain and stress and improve your mood. Walking improves emotional health while improving physical health.

And When the Sun Goes Down

Walking daily will help you to get a better night's sleep. Walking 30 minutes a day reduces stress, relieves pain and improves mood, all of which are conducive to sleeping better at night by allowing you to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and go into a more deeper, restful sleep. And during the time we spend asleep, the body is busy working to repair itself.