Amongst all the forms of exercise, walking stands out. It is not only one of the easiest, It is also one of the cheapest as well.  There is no gym membership needed to start a walking routine.  That is a big deal too.

A lot of people may want to get in shape but can’t afford a gym membership. By walking you can get all the benefits that you would with gym equipment at none of the cost. It has a host of other benefits that it can offer to us too. Let’s go over a few of them.

It helps with creative thinking.

Studies have shown that creativity can be increased by a simple stroll. Better yet, the environment does not seem to be a factor. A person in the mall and a person outside will both be more susceptible to creative thinking.

The act is what matters, not the location. Researchers found that a person’s creativity increased by a massive 60% when they were walking as opposed to sitting.

Give Your Ideas Some Legs: The Positive Effect of Walking on Creative Thinking (apa.org)

It helps with anxiety.

For those prone to anxiety, perhaps going for a walk can be a remedy. Walking has been proven to be a way to help alleviate anxiety.   Overall, people who frequently walk are less prone to anxiety than those who live a more sedentary lifestyle. This applies to various other forms of exercise as well.

4 Easy Ways To Be A Healthier Person – The Mayonation

Risks of Physical Inactivity | Johns Hopkins Medicine

It helps you lose weight.

It goes without saying that aerobic exercise can be beneficial in weight loss. This applies to walking as well.  It can help you lose up to 1 pound per week.  Obviously, depending on the frequency and duration of your walks the number could be higher.

How Much Walking You Need To Lose Weight (healthyandnaturalworld.com)

It can help prevent certain forms of cancer.

Research has found that by walking, women can reduce their chances of contracting breast cancer by up to 40%.  That, along with other preventative measures, can mean the difference between a healthy life and a deadly disease.

Walking a mile a day can cut risk of dying from cancer by 40% – study | Cancer | The Guardian

It helps in keeping your immune system strong

Walking has been found to boost your immune system. A study consisting of over 1000 individuals “found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less”.

5 surprising benefits of walking – Harvard Health

It can prevent osteoporosis.

 Even as short as one 10 minute walk each day can help aid in the prevention of osteoporosis. It helps with the strengthening of our bones as well as preventing them from thinning.

Osteoporosis, Walking for Healthy Bones – HoodMWR

It can prolong your life expectancy.

Studies have shown that walking can help in preventing premature death. There’s a catch though, It is largely dependent on the speed at which you walk. Men and women who walk briskly are considerably more likely to live a longer life than their peers who walk slowly.

Walking fast can increase life expectancy: study (nypost.com)

Conclusion

Walking is a great form of exercise. It’s free, easy, and has a myriad of health benefits. It plays a larger role in our health than we may have initially presumed. Walking is more than a way of getting in shape. It’s a way to potentially change the way you think and feel for the rest of your life.