Walking is exercise.

Today we have access to so many different kinds of workouts. There’s yoga, HIIT, pilates, and the list goes on. There’s so much happening in the fitness world that it seems like we have forgotten one of the most essential forms of exercise… walking.

Walking does a number of positive things for your body. For one it boosts your mood. Exercise has been shown to increase your mood by causing your brain to release endorphins. Prevention Magazine says that walking every day does the same thing to boost your mood as eating chocolate or drinking a glass of wine.

Although a seemingly simple exercise, walking involves rather complex movements.  It uses your leg core, and rear muscles and forces you to utilize your range of motion. Because of this, walking can strengthen your lower body, increase flexibility and prevent knee or leg injuries.

Walking can also lower your chances of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. By walking you lower your cholesterol, blood sugar, and many other risk factors.

Combined, these reasons show how effective walking can be. So if all you can do is walk, that’s great! It’s important to exercise in whatever way you can. As the weather will start to get better, get outside, walk and enjoy the sunshine!