Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found themselves scheduling a daily walk to stay active and create a sense of consistency. As it turns out, the benefits of walking are far-reaching—both for people just looking to get in a few more steps and for those intending to make it a workout.
Whether you’re squeezing in a quick jaunt or setting aside time for a longer stroll to hit your recommended 10,000 steps per day, lacing up those shoes for a walk can do your body—and your mind—some good. Walking has been proven to improve and maintain your overall health, boost your mood, strengthen your bones, and even help with a better night’s sleep.
With today being National Walking day we wanted to share with you the top five reasons walking is good for you and make you want to slip on your sneakers right now:
- It’s a Guaranteed Mood Booster
Walking is a good way to clear your mind. A study from The American Psychological Association shows evidence that physical activity can also positively impact your mental health. For example, walking, like other cardiovascular activities, can help ease anxiety, depression and overall mood. What’s more, when your mental state makes going to the gym or getting dressed for yoga feel like too much effort, taking a walk may feel more doable. Further, walking may even give you the energy to keep the momentum going and eventually hit the gym as well.
- Improve your Creativity
If you’re experiencing writer’s block, feeling uninspired, or navigating brain fog, take a walk around your home while blasting your favorite tunes. It doesn’t matter where you do it just as long as you get moving. The blood flow from walking can boost creativity by 60%, according to a Stanford study. Say “see you later” to brain fog!
- It Requires Less Gear Than Running
Running is a higher-impact activity that requires special shoes, workout clothes, a water bottle, etc. Walking only requires a pair of supportive shoes — and not much more. While running can be exhilarating, taking a long stroll allows you to take in the scenery at your leisure without any prep.
- Helps Build Stronger Bones
Walking is a body-weight-bearing exercise. It forces your body to work against gravity which is good news for your bone health, especially as you age. Further, walking effectively slows the rate of bone loss.
- Catch More Z’s
Want to sleep better? Go for a walk. One study examining the sleep and exercise connection found that physical activities like walking had an overwhelmingly positive effect on sleep and can dramatically improve the quality, especially when done on a regular basis.
![BowFlex Machine Mat](png/bowflex-machine-mat-711-32-hero-sqr6033.png "BowFlex Machine Mat - 7'11" L x 3'2" W")
