Walking is the most underrated physical activity! Not only is it an effective cardio strategy for weight loss, it has a lot of other health benefits! 🥳

🚶🏻‍♀️LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE & CHOLESTEROL 🩺
Regular walking was linked to a 7 percent reduced risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

🚶🏻‍♀️ENHANCES CIRCULATION ♥️
Regular walking can help to lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke. And it doesn’t take much: Walking briskly for just 30 minutes a day is enough to improve heart health.

🚶🏻‍♀️STRENGTHENS BONES 🦴
Walking can help strengthen bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. One study found that women who walked for a minimum of 4 hours a week saw a 40% reduced risk of hip fractures. While other forms of vigorous exercise such as running, jumping and weightlifting offer bone-strengthening benefits, the good news is that walking appears to do the same. That’s great news for those just starting a workout routine, people who must complete low-impact exercise due to joint issues.

🚶🏻‍♀️BOOSTS MOOD 🙌🏼
Having a rough day? Walk it off. Numerous studies have linked walking for exercise with improved mood and reduced stress levels. And it’s even better if you can take a stroll through nature — walking outdoors near greenery has been shown to help reduce feelings of frustration and may even help put your brain into a state of meditation. Walking stimulates the production of neurotransmitters in the brain (such as endorphins) that help improve your mental state. 🌳

🚶🏻SHARPENS YOUR 🧠
Walking for exercise may become increasingly important as we age and our risk for dementia and other brain disorders increases. It can even help reverse the effects of aging. One study published in the Annals of Neurology found that the 69 participants ages 55–88 who who met the exercise guidelines set by the American Heart Association showed a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

☠️ To improve your cognition even more, try walking backward. 🔙 One Dutch study found that walking backward helped subjects literally think faster on their feet. 💨