Often overlooked as a form of exercise, walking can help us build stamina, burn excess calories, and make our heart healthier.

It’s simple, free and one of the easiest ways to become more active, lose weight, and become healthier.

Let’s discuss the benefits of walking.

The Benefits Of Walking

How Do I Start Walking As A Hobby?

Pick a time and a place, get out there and start walking to start enjoying the health benefits.

But if you’re more serious about taking it up as a new hobby, you could also try joining a walking group.

While walking might not sound like the ideal way to spend our free time for some, walking and hiking clubs make it an enjoyable and versatile way to promote wellness.

Walking in a group is a perfect way to start walking, make new friends and stay motivated.

How Do I Prepare For Walking?

Any comfortable shoes or trainers that provide adequate support and don’t cause blisters will do.

If you’re walking to work, you can wear your usual work clothes with a comfortable pair of shoes and change shoes when you get to work.

For longer walks, you could take some water, snacks, a spare shirt, sunscreen and a hat in a small backpack.

You may want to invest in a waterproof jacket for rainy days and some hiking shoes for more challenging trails.

Why Do I Enjoy Walking So Much?

Walking is known to have positive effects on our mental health and happiness, so people may walk to relax, decompress, and reflect.

A lot of people enjoy walking with music, listening to a podcast, or just striding in silence while taking in the surroundings.

Some enjoy the benefits of being outside in nature, and it’s also a great way to explore the world around you.

How Long Does It Take To Get In Shape By Walking?

We should aim to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, and if weight loss is the goal, aim for longer walks of 45-60 minutes when possible.

Some people may find that setting a step goal such as 10,000 steps a day helps motivate them.

Why Do I Feel Happier After A Walk?

Walking also sets off several other processes that contribute directly to our sense of happiness and well-being.

This includes promoting the release of endorphins, known as the happy hormones.  Walking also releases adrenaline, which is the body’s own mood-lifting chemical. 

Consistent walking will also improve our sleep.

Health Benefits Of Walking

• Stronger bones and improved balance.
• Increased cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness.
• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Improved management of conditions like high blood pressure, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes.

Do Smart People Walk Much?

According to past studies, people with high levels of working memory tend to take long walks to process information and help stay on task.

We’re not talking about getting away from work or taking a break.  We’re talking about taking a long walk so you can clear your head and really examine what you need to accomplish.

What Will Happen If I Walk Every Day?

Walking for 30 minutes at a brisk pace covers a distance of about 3 km or two miles, and burns about 125 calories (520 Kilojoules).

That might not seem like much, but if you walked five days a week within one year, you’d burn over 32,000 calories which would burn off more than 5 kg or 11 pounds of fat.

Final Thoughts

The simple activity of walking has so many health benefits both physical and mental.

I highly value my forest hikes, but also enjoy just walking around my block where I currently live. 

It’s such an easy way to get some exercise in while allowing my mind to relax.

Thanks for reading, please comment or follow the links.

Sources and other reading:

Benefits Of Walking

What Are The Benefits Of Hiking

Find A New Hobby

How To Stay Grounded

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