Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. It can be done by almost anyone anywhere without special equipment. You can walk to an errand, join friends, or simply take a few moments to yourself. It is also low impact and easier on the joints than running or many other sports.
There are several health benefits to walking, including maintaining a healthy weight, improving your mood and sleep, reducing stress, boosting your immune system, and preventing or managing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Another benefit that may seem counterintuitive at first is that walking can help reduce the risk of knee arthritis. People who walk more are less likely to develop arthritis in their knees.
The CDC recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week. This can mean going on a 30-minute walk five days of the week. If that seems like a lot, begin by setting small goals, such as walking for five or ten minutes at a time. You can ask a friend or family member to join you for added encouragement. As you start to get in the habit of walking, you can try getting in a few walks each day or making your one walk longer. To make a walk even more challenging, you can take a hilly route or add in intervals of brisk walking to really get your heart rate up.
Whatever your reasons are for exercising, try getting outside and enjoying a walk! And if you need some help getting back in motion, our team of skilled therapists is happy to help.
