1 exercise, 20 benefits

It seems impossible that just one type of exercise could have so many benefits but it’s true – and more people need to start doing it.

So what is it? Walking! Yep, simple…walking.

According to Livestrong, there are over 20 benefits to walking and it isn’t just great for losing weight.

Walking can….

1. Increase mood-enhancing neurotransmitters and reduce stress
2. Lead to a longer life
3. Decrease knee pain and stiffness
4. Lower the risk of fractures
5. Reduce women’s risk of stroke by 20 per cent when they walk 30 minutes a day
6. Boost endorphins, lower stress, fatigue and anger
7. Reduce glaucoma risk by reducing the pressure inside the eye
8. Decrease the odds of catching a cold by 30-50 per cent
9. Tone ab muscles, build bone mass and reduce risk of osteoporosis and reduce low back pain by 40 per cent
10. Lower risk of heart attack with two to four hours of fast walking per week
11. Lower risk of coronary heart disease with three hours of brisk walking per week
12. Lower death rates for type 2 diabetics who walk three to four hours per week
13. Help prevent and manage arthritis
14. Decrease body weight, BMI, body fat percentage and waist circumference and increases muscle endurance
15. Increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol
16. Significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
17. Increase heart and respiratory fitness in adults with type 2 diabetes
18. Reduce physical symptoms of anxiety associated with minor stress.
19. Improve sleep quality and is associated with better cognitive performance.
20. Increase the size of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, potentially beneficial for memory

How often do you go walking?