When most people decide it’s time to practice some healthier habits, simply walking to lose weight and improve their health might not seem like it’s going to do “enough” to give them the benefits of exercise they’re after. The truth is walking is the oldest form of human physical activity there is, and the benefits of walking are great!
Long before the days of CrossFit, voluntarily running marathons or working out in gyms, people walked — and they walked a lot.
While it might not give you the ripped body you always dreamed of (though it’s a great butt exercise and is considered a good leg workout), walking is a great place to start if you’re new to exercising or simply lack motivation to be more active. Even if you’re a seasoned athlete and prefer really working up a sweat by doing burst-fit training, HIIT workouts or a demanding sport, walking can still be a great form of activity that complements these tougher workouts.
Considering that walking is super convenient, doesn’t wear down joints yet still burns calories, revs up your metabolism and can help prevent dozens of different diseases, there’s really no downside to walking more.
Plus, research shows that just 10 minutes of walking per day is linked to a longer life, while as little as two minutes of walking after eating can help manage blood sugar.
