Welcome to Start TODAY. Sign up for our free Start TODAY newsletter to receive daily inspiration sent to your inbox — and join us on Instagram!
Not to brag, but I’m super good at walking. Not putting one foot in front of the other, though I manage that just fine, but at getting out there every day. My husband and I walk for about 25 minutes every morning — in the heat, the snow, in the rain, and even on Sundays when we stayed up late the night before.
We have a secret weapon that gets us out of the house: our big, black, possibly-a-Labradoodle, rescue dog, Daisy. She doesn’t understand “It’s too hot” or “Let’s just skip today.” So off we go, around the neighborhood and along the creek so Daisy can get her paws wet.
Those walks aren’t just exercise for the dog, they’re good for my husband and me, too. They boost our physical health and our mental health, and they help us get the exercise we need. “Walking is an ideal option in terms of physical activity. It requires no specialized skill — everyone knows how to walk. It’s low impact and safe,” Dr. Cedric Bryant, president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, tells TODAY.
Sure, life is probably hectic and staying in bed a few minutes longer seems like a better idea than suiting up to go outside. But getting that walk in is worth it. And you don’t have to take my word for it — health experts are bullish on the benefits of walking.
The physical benefits of walking
“Many of the systems of the body can benefit from walking,” Bryant said. Walking can help:
- Improve your cardiovascular health and function
- Increase your aerobic capacity
- Improve blood pressure
- Control your blood sugar and reduce your risk of diabetes
- Increase your metabolism
- Maintain your weight
- Reduce your risk or osteoarthritis
- Maintain mobility
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 150 to 300 minutes a week, so 30 minutes of brisk walking for…
Read the full article here
