Walking is so much more than just putting one foot in front of the other.
We walk for fun, for exercise, and to get from one place to another. We walk to see the sights, to take our pets and children out of doors, to connect with a friend and be sociable—or to move alone through space and time. We walk in protest and for consolation; we walk with purpose or without; we walk just because.
It will not surprise anyone to learn that walking offers a wealth of benefits for both physical and mental health. There have numerous studies demonstrating that walking improves overall fitness and heart health, prevents weight gain, reduces the risk for cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, improves strength and endurance, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and even improves posture. On the mental health side, walking has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, alleviate fatigue, while improving mood, memory, and creative thinking.
And, of course, to take a walk is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
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