Why Is Everybody Always Telling You To Walk More?

Written by Mat Lecompte
Published on

Two senior female friends walking in the park together, laughing and smiling.How many times have you heard you should be walking more, counting your steps, or finding other ways to do what seems like the lowest intensity exercise possible?

It comes from everywhere. Loved ones. Doctors. The internet, and even your e-mail inbox.

The reason is because this simple activity has a number of benefits to slow aging and fight disease. Some experts even say it’s the closest possible thing to a wonder drug.

Here’s why:

It Fights The Effects of Weight Promoting Genes: A team of Harvard researchers looked at 32 known obesity-promoting genes on over 12,000 people, finding that the genes contribute to body weight. They then found that the effects of those genes ere halved by participants who tool a brisk walk for about an hour per day.

It Curbs Your Sweet Tooth: Resea4ch has also shown that a 15-minute walk can take care of a craving for something sweet. These effects may be a result of stress relief or simply staying occupied.

It Can Help tame Joint Pain: A number of studies have shown that walking can reduce pain related to arthritis. Further, walking five to six times per week may even prevent arthritis from developing in the first place. Walking protects your joints (particularly knees and hips) by keeping them lubricated and strengthening surrounding muscles.

It Helps Boost Immunity: Walking may also be an effective measure to prevent colds and flu. One study found that when people walked at least 20 minutes per day for five days a week, they had 43 percent fewer sick days than those that exercise once a week or less. If they did get sick, it was for a shorter time and their symptoms were milder.

That’s why there is so much messaging on walking. You know how to do it, it’s cheap, relatively easy, and highly effective, in virtually any dose. Start with a short walk around the block and keep building – it could be the best thing you ever do for your health.


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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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