Exercise of the Month: Walking

Walking is a safe, low impact, and effective exercise for all.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
  • Strengthen your bones and muscles
  • Improve your mood
  • Improve your balance and coordination
  • The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits.
 Scientists from University College London performed a meta-analysis of research published between 1970 and 2007. Their results supported a statement by Hippocrates “Walking is a man’s best medicine”.
  • Walking reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 31%, and it cut the risk of dying during the study period by 32%.
  • These benefits were equally robust in men and women.
  • Protection was evident even at distances of just 5½ miles per week and at a pace as casual as about 2 miles per hour.
  • The people who walked longer distances, walked at a faster pace, or both enjoyed the greatest protection.

Brief summary of three Harvard studies of walking and cardiovascular health:

  • Among 10,269 male graduates of Harvard College, walking at least nine miles a week was linked to a 22% lower death rate.
  • Among 44,452 male health professionals, walking at least 30 minutes a day was linked to an 18% lower risk of coronary artery disease.
  • Among 72,488 female nurses, walking at least three hours a week was linked to a 35% lower risk of heart attack and cardiac death and a 34% lower risk of stroke.

All right everyone…let’s get walking!