Everyone knows how to walk, it’s one of the easiest ways in the world to be physically active and you can do it virtually anywhere with just a comfortable pair of shoes. But in case you need some more motivation to get out there and give it a go, here’s a few reasons why you should walk.

1. Healthy Bodies

You don’t have to do a lot to reap the rewards from walking. Just 30 minutes a day can keep you healthy and reduce the risk of illness such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. You don’t have to walk for a long time or at a fast pace from day one but if you build up as you go it wont be long before you start to see the benefits.

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• helps to maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures
• helps to manage weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol
• reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
• helps to prevent and control diabetes
• reduces the risk of developing some cancers

2. Healthy Minds

Walking is about pleasure as much as about destination. When we walk, just like with any kind of exercise, our brains release chemicals that make us feel good. This means walking can help us cope with depression, stress and anxiety. Walking helps improve your mood and boosts self-esteem. Walking is the most versatile form of travelling and can be enjoyed at the same time as listening to music, looking at wildlife or having a chat with friends. Walking with a group is a great way to meet new people and discover new walks in and around your local area. Fellow walkers can help encourage each other and motivate you to keep walking.

3. Healthy Environment

Walking, as well as being one of the cheapest ways of getting around, is also the smartest for our planet. If more people swapped their car for their feet we would not only benefit from the physical effects but the environment could benefit from reductions in carbon emissions and noise, and improvements in air quality. Walking wont leave a carbon footprint, just your own!