The Many Benefits of Walking

You probably always hear the expression 'take a hike!' You know what? Health
experts are actually encouraging you to follow that particular advice.
Walking, or the art of traveling by foot, is human's natural means of
transportation. However, with today's society full of vehicles, walking is
slowly becoming a lost art. And this should not be, health experts said, as
walking has numerous benefits to us.
Here are some that we have compiled just for you.
Health Benefits
Walking is a cardio vascular workout that can help reduce your risk of heart
disease; aids in alleviation of depression and lower back pain; increase your
muscular strength; improve coronary condition; reduce risks of infection and
hypertension; aids in maintaining a healthy weight; and curbs the decrease in
bone density. Likewise, it also helps in maintaining flexibility and
coordination hence, reducing the risk of falls. Like almost all forms of
exercise, it adds more health and zest to your life.
Social and Economic Benefits
Aside from the obvious health benefits, walking can also have a very large
social and economic impact in today's society.
Walking is free. In comparison to the cost of operating a car, which is
approximately 5,170 dollars a year, walking will not cost you anything.
In addition to this, walking will also give you more time to interact with
others. Walking has been shown to improve self-esteem, relieve symptoms of
depression and anxiety, and improve mood. Walking, particularly in pleasant
surroundings, and with other people, offers many opportunities for relaxation
and social contact.
Environmental Benefits
Moreover, walking is the only form of transportation that will not contribute to
air pollution.
Motor vehicle emissions represent 31% of total carbon dioxide, 81% of carbon
monoxide, and 49% of nitrogen oxides released in the United States alone, and
thus create 60 percent of air pollution. Although individual cars are much
cleaner today than they were in earlier years, if total traffic continues to
grow, overall air quality will deteriorate. Moreover, cars and trucks burn
millions of barrels of oil, a non-renewable energy source, every day.
Transportation Benefits
and highways carry more traffic
wasted time and energy,
Walking will not contribute to traffic and requires less space than automobiles.
Moreover, it reduces the risk of vehicular accidents on the road. Walking can
help to reduce roadway congestion. Many streets
than they were designed to handle, resulting in
pollution, driver frustration, and gridlock.
So do not discount walking. It can actually do you good.