Summary: Learn how walking just 30 minutes a day can save your life.
It’s really warming up here in Chicago and suddenly all anyone wants to do is be outside. Although I spent several years running on the lakefront path, I have really always loved just walking. Growing up I’d walk through our neighborhood, in college I’d walk around Charleston, SC (by far my favorite place to walk!) and now I’ve brought it back into my daily life by taking a walk during my lunch. Even if it’s a really busy day I try to just get outside for ten minutes.
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Some people might not think walking is “enough” of a workout, but if you’re walking at a brisk pace and getting outdoors, it can do quite a lot for both your physical and mental health. According to the American Heart Association it has been shown that walking for 30 minutes a day can:
- Lower the risk of coronary heart disease
- Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Help maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
- Improve mental well being
- Lower the risk of osteoporosis
- Lower the risk of colon and breast cancer
- Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
I love to listen to music or podcasts while I walk. It’s actually a great way to get in some personal development or learn some new things while you’re walking. I’ll listen to beachbody coaching podcasts, sermons from various churches, or other podcasts like Serial, which I’ve heard has a new spin off podcast.
Walking is also a great way to get to know your city or neighborhood or explore while traveling. So get outside and start walking. Just be sure to wear some sunscreen!
