Move, Breathe, and Begin: Why Walking Matters

One of the most beneficial ways to move your body, which also happens to be a very accessible doorway into moving more, is walking.

There are countless benefits to walking daily.

Walking improves cardiovascular health, metabolic health, helps weight regulation, boosts energy, is good for musculoskeletal strength and mobility, immune function, improves sleep, and contributes to longevity.

It also has tremendous psychological benefits, known to boost mood, improve cognitive function, reduce stress, increase confidence, improves mindfulness and can enhance social connectedness if you walk with others.

Additional benefits come with being out in sunlight, fresh air and nature.

Aim to start slow and small. Start with 10 minutes daily. Do not put any pressure on yourself to go a certain speed or distance. As you adapt, you can increase distance and speed if you want to, but to start the goal is to just fall in love with movement and how it makes you feel. Increase 10 minutes each week. Or, do 10 minutes 3 times a day. It all makes a difference.

Get a good set of headphones and walking shoes. I like Shokz or a generic bone conducting equivalent for headphones because they leave your ears open to hear what’s going on around you for safety reasons. Quality shoes make the walk more enjoyable and safe for your feet. These things can help get you excited about getting out the door. I love listening to audiobooks or podcasts on my walks. When I don’t feel like going, I find something I’m excited to listen to, and that’s enough to get me moving.

Once walking becomes part of your routine and you notice the many ways it enhances your well-being, it becomes easier to step out the door.

There’s no better time to start than today.

Wishing you health and happiness,

Dana