Walking is such a simple form of exercise and many of us may not even consider it real exercise…so can we really “count it”?
The short answer is YES
Walking is an extremely beneficial way to exercise as well as improve your overall mental and physical health.
Walks with my dog have become truly my favorite part of the day, because they get me on the right track, make me feel more energized, and help relieve stress.
The other day, I had scheduled a leg workout. However, I realized that i wanted to study more for my exam that day, and used my morning to do so. I recorded my notes into my phone and listened as I walked my dog.
I always walk my dog, especially if I’m leaving the house at all during the day because if she doesn’t get exercise, she often gets anxious and is jumping out of her skin by the end of the day…very similar to me! As humans, we require a certain amount of exercise and movement to live a healthy lifestyle, and I highly recommend that you do this by simply walking.
Exercise like walking helps boost our “feel good” endorphins- natural pain killers and anxiety fixers. These are similar to the “runner’s high” runners talk about or the energetic feeling you get after doing a good workout or playing a sport as a kid.
Not only does walking benefit our mental health and help relieve stress, but it is one of the best exercises for people with cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and is how a lot of people maintain a good quality of life with a disease such as these.
For example, a type 2 diabetic will most likely be recommended to walk daily, since they have to control their blood sugars with exercise and diet before any medication regimens are put into place. Similarly, a person with Coronary Artery Disease will also receive diet recommendations as well as the need for exercise to reduce the risks of a heart attack or blood clot.
I’ve mentioned similar examples before on other blog posts mainly because my life revolves around nursing school right now, ha! But it is such a good point to make because movement and diet really is key to maintaining a good quality of life.
Nowadays, post operative patients are encouraged and really “pushed” to get up and move ASAP to promote that blood flow, reduce clots, and reduces the chances of hospital acquired diseases like pneumonia. Medical scenarios or not, walking benefits all aspects of our life in a positive way with minimal impact to our joints and muscles.
Exercise doesn’t have to be running hard or doing Cross Fit. I guarantee that you will both see and feel the benefits from walking (almost) everyday.
You may be like me and only feel like you got a good workout in if you sweat a lot, feel sore, lifted weights, or ran a few miles. Well, walking is a very good way to not only stay strong but lose excess body fat, tone up, and improve your stamina.
I recommend putting on a good podcast, a good playlist, taking your dog or kids, and going on a 30 min walk a day. This simple addition to my life has changed my lifestyle and mindset tremendously!
No matter if we can hit the gym or not, we can always take 30 min out of our day to improve our cardiovascular health, bone health, mental health, and look good doing
Growing Healthies 
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