Our friends at 99 Walks know a thing or two about walking. Every month, hundreds of women who want to get moving sign up and join them for a walking challenge, and end up falling in love with the supportive community, daily inspiration, and the gorgeous, wearable inspiration they receive after crushing their goal.
Here are their top 10 reasons for taking a walk each day:
1. Walking puts you in a better mood
Many studies have shown a link between walking for exercise and improved mood and lower stress. Walking in nature can amplify these benefits.
2. Walking can reduce your blood pressure
A study in Korea showed decreased blood pressure when subjects walked 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
3. Walking will help you lose weight
Walking burns more calories, but it can also help offset genetic tendencies towards obesity. According to a Harvard study, one hour of walking a day can reduce these influences by half.
4. Walking can help fight cancer
Another Harvard study showed women who walked just one to three hours per week reduced their risk of death from breast and uterine cancers by 19 percent. And men with prostate cancer were 57 percent less likely to see their disease progress if they walked at least three hours a week.
5. Walking is good for your bones
A Nurse’s Health study showed that women who walk four hours or more a week saw a 40 percent reduction in hip fractures.
6. Walking is good for your heart
Walking 30 minutes a day at a medium pace can reduce a woman’s risk of heart disease by 40 percent, per a Harvard study.
7. Walking can help you sleep better
Walking outdoors, especially in the morning, can help your body get in tune with our natural daily rhythms. The activity and daylight can set your internal clock and help you fall asleep faster and sleep better that night.
8. Walking is great if you are pregnant
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, walking 30 minutes a day can help prevent back problems, swelling, constipation, and other “joys” of pregnancy.
9. Walking helps your brain
Walking results in a 50 percent reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to research from Rush University.
10. Walking helps you solve problems
Walking calms your nerves and your brain, allowing you to think more creatively and solve problems. Since walking occupies some of your brain, it productively distracts the jumpy part, while allowing the creative part to do its thing. Stuck on a problem? Go for a walk.
Ready to start walking? You don't have to do it alone. Join the May challenge now at 99walks.fit.
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