Why walking is good for you

Regular walking is good for you: it aids weight loss, boosts energy levels, reduces stress, improves sleep, improves concentration, lowers blood pressure, helps build healthy bones and muscles, may improve ‘good’ cholesterol, and helps improve mental wellbeing. It’s a cheap, easy, equipment-free, ageless, communal or personal way to receive health benefits.

Psychologists and health experts also say that where you choose to walk can also add to the benefits. For example, walking to work along inner city streets is good, but walks in the countryside or along the coast is better. Walking in nature, such as a forest or even a city park, can have a restorative effect on people’s health.

So walking, rambling, meandering, trekking, hiking, tramping, power-walking or strolling are all good for you – and some health experts say the effects of a good walk in nature is like ‘a miracle drug or wonder cure.’

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