You may not realise it, but May is National Walking Month and now the evenings are lighter for longer, this makes it the perfect time to get outside, and get walking. Walking has a whole host of different health benefits that you can use to motivate you to introduce walking into yours and family members daily lives.

Walking is good for your heart

Your heart is responsible for pumping the oxygen and blood around your body and keeping all the other organs working. So we think you’ll agree that it’s important to keep it in tip top condition! Walking not only strengthens your heart but reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. In fact a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day is said to reduce your risk of a stroke by 27%. If this wasn’t enough, it also reduces bad levels of cholesterol and increases the levels of good cholesterol too!

Walking helps you to lose weight

If you are new to exercise, or maybe trying to lose weight gradually in order to keep it off, then walking is a great form of exercise for you. If you walk at around 2mph for 30 minutes then you will burn around 75 calories, and if you increase this to 4mph this will rise to around 150 calories. 20 minutes of walking a day will burn an incredible 7lbs of body fat a year.

You can lower your risk of dementia

An older person who walks six or more miles a week is less likely to have problems such as dementia. This is because walking has been proven to prevent your brain from shrinking.

Walking gives you energy

There are times when you feel more lethargic than others, and if you find yourself in this zone then a walk could do you good. It boosts your circulation and increases the oxygen supply is around your body, which in turn will keep you feeling alert and awake.

Increase your Vitamin D intake

Here in the UK there are lots of people who are deficient in Vitamin D, the best way to increase your levels of Vitamin D is to get outside in the sunshine. Vitamin D is good for your bone health, as well as your immune system, which is why it is important to try and increase the levels in your body.

Walking makes you happy

In the same way walking can help you feel energised, it is also great for making you feel happy. A brisk walk can be just as beneficial as taking an antidepressant, and can be a great helping hand if you are suffering from depression, anxiety or feeling stressed.

These are just some of the reasons why you should try to work in more walking to your daily routine. Whether you walk at lunchtime, or start your day with a walk, why not try it and feel the benefits for yourself.