Walk Your Way to a Healthier Life

By Jamie Flood, Graduate Assistant, Campus Recreation

You can get active in lots of ways, but walking is one of the easiest steps you can take to improve your health. It’s also one of the safest, least expensive and most sustainable forms of exercise. For such a simple activity, it has so many benefits!

Research has shown that walking at least 30 minutes a day can help you:

• Reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
• Improve your blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels.
• Prevent weight gain and lower the risk of obesity.
• Improve your mental well-being.
• Increase your energy and stamina.
• Reduce your risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer and colon cancer.

 Here are some ways you can add more steps into your day:

• Take the dog out for a walk.
• Take the kids to the park or playground.
• Park farther from the entrance to work, school, grocery store, etc.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Window shop at the mall.
• Walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch instead of driving.
• Catch up with a friend by walking around the block while you chat on the phone.