Benefits of walking

“If some of the benefits accruing from regular physical activity could be procured by any one medicine, then nothing in the world would be held in more esteem than that medicine”.

Francis Fuller 1705

For overall health, fitness and weight maintenance, regular walking is among the best activities you can choose. And there is no better way to monitor your progress than using a Digi-walker pedometer!

We all know about the health benefits of regular physical activity. Yet despite the fact that we spend large amounts of money on gym memberships, expensive equipment, exercise videos and the like, most of us still fail to maintain even a moderately active lifestyle. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyle has important health consequences which we see all around us – the current epidemic of obesity and diabetes in both children and adults being a dramatic and worrying example.

Part of the problem is the time pressures that most of us have to contend with; if anything has to go, it’s usually the visit to the gym. What we need is a way of incorporating physical activity into our everyday lives – which is precisely why walking is such a great option. Walking is a safe, convenient, inexpensive and extremely effective form of physical activity. Studies show that brisk walking reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer, increases mobility and prolongs active life. Even if you have only a few minutes to spare at odd times throughout the day, you can still take a few steps and add to your daily total. And if you are looking for an effective weight loss activity, walking is among the best!

What are the health benefits of walking

Walking is the most natural of activities. It is also hugely under-valued as a means to better health and longer life. Scores of studies have confirmed the many health benefits associated with regular walking, including the following:

Weight control

Almost 80% of people who achieve and maintain a healthy weight, choose walking as their main form of physical activity.

Reduced risk of chronic disease

Individuals who walk regularly have a significantly reduced risk for many chronic diseases including:

• heart attack and stroke
• type II diabetes
• colon, breast and prostate cancer
• osteporosis
• high blood pressure

Bright spirits

People who walk regularly experience less stress and have a lower risk of depression.

More energy, better sleep

Studies show that being active makes people more energetic and improves sleeping patterns.

Get walking !

So whether you want to improve your general health, to keep fit, to control your weight, or perhaps to recover from a period of ill-health, walking can help. Whether you're strolling through a park, climbing hills or just walking your dog around the neighborhood, walking lifts your spirits, clears your mind, and improves your health - all without expensive equipment, scheduled classes, or fancy clothes!