10 moving facts about walking for good health

The first Wednesday in April is the American Heart Association’s National Walking Day. To encourage your participation during this year’s event, here are 10 good reasons you should lace up your sneakers and take a stroll.

1. Walking is the most popular form of physical activity in the U.S. It also has the lowest dropout rate.
2. Experts recommend logging 10,000 steps per day. That’s about 5 miles.
3. Walking 30 minutes each day benefits not only your body but also your mind. Walking burns calories, strengthens bones, aids intestinal regularity and enhances mental well being.
4. Every minute you walk can add 1.5 to 2 minutes to your life.
5. Brisk walking burns the same number of calories per mile as running.
6. Because walking is a weight-bearing activity, heavier individuals burn more calories than skinny folks. A brisk, one-hour walk burns approximately 400 calories for an average built person.
7. Walking isn’t as likely to result in injuries as other types of physical exercise.
8. Women who exercise, including brisk walking, report enhanced sexual desire and increased sexual satisfaction.
9. People who choose walking as their physical activity of choice save money on gym fees and expensive equipment/gear.
10. Walking with friends, children or a spouse has been shown to improve relationships.

Sources:
AmericaWalks.org
AmericanHeartAssociation.org
Blue Cross/Blue Shield National Walk @ Lunch Day
EverybodyWalk.org
MayoClinic.com
NIH.gov
Rodale.com

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