Search
Close this search box.

How Walking Every Day Benefits your Entire Body

active seniors older man in blue shirt and yellow water bottle with wife who has blue water bottle and gray shirt smiling with sun setting behind them while they're walking outside

It’s never too late to get started walking every day. Not only will you improve your health, you will see benefits throughout your life. There are benefits to walking every day. Those benefits positively impact your physical, mental and emotional well-being. It can affect your whole body in a positive way.

brain model with pieces taken apart on the table

Walking gives you a better brain

Going for a walk impacts your physical health by improving function in various parts of your body. In a study done by the American Psychology Association, walking shows improvement to creative thinking and brain power. However, physically, the repetitive motion of your feet hitting the ground sends more blood to your brain. More blood to your brain leads to higher brain function. Higher brain function means your body can communicate messages to your brain better. This symbiotic relationship makes you feel better.

white elder woman with white hair making heart shaped hands on her chest wearing gray shirt standing outside next to water and street sign

Walking gives you a better heart

When you walk every day, it can also help you manage your blood pressure. When your blood pressure decreases, you reduce your risk of heart attack and improve your heart’s function. A healthier heart means overall better health. You’ll have more endurance and be able to keep up with the lifestyle you prefer.

gloves, mask, disposable, yellow background, COVID, flu, cold, blue

Walking gives you a better immunity

Another way walking benefits your physical health, is that it improves your immune system. When you’re walking and breathing at a higher rate, you are increasing oxygen in your bloodstream. With more oxygen in your blood, your body can eliminate waste faster and enhance your ability to heal.

middle-aged asian woman holding knee because she has knee pain while walking every day arthritis treatment

Walking improves your body head to toe

Walking also relieves back pain and arthritis, strengthens your arm and core, tightens your stomach muscles and keeps your joints healthy. By being upright and moving, you can also reduce your risk of getting blood clots in your legs and relieve joint pain in your knees and hips. It truly benefits you from head to toe.

white woman holding head while looking at neurology brain scans - dementia, memory loss, neurology care

Walking helps mental health and memory

If you’re feeling added stress from your day, or have a difficulty concentrating at work, try to get up and take a walk. Walking every day can help improve your mood and balance your mental health.

Walking can have a high impact on your mood. By making sure to walk at least 15 minutes a day, you can not only lower your risk for depression, it’s one of the easiest ways to relieve stress. In fact, research shows that those who are more active have lower levels of stress. Walking is also known to help treat those who suffer from clinical anxiety.

It’s especially important for elderly people to be physically active every day. When you take time to walk, it can help delay cognitive disease like Alzheimer’s or other dementias and reduce your risk of further mental decline.

white senior couple man and woman dancing in their living room back on your feet light on your feet dancing happy couple

Walking helps self-esteem

Some research also suggests that people who walk every day are happier overall and have more self-esteem. When you feel better, you’re more likely to be a more positive and creative thinker. When you choose to go for a walk for at least 15-30 minutes a day, your body releases endorphins, or “happy” hormones. When your body produces these hormones regularly, it can help you sleep better at night and feel more rested, which improves mood.

older couple hiking with backpacks walking

Commit to walking every day

Now that you know why walking is a great way to exercise and improve your overall health, take a step forward and commit to walking for a little bit every day. To add to your regular workout, try these tips:

Be sure if you’re going to be walking a long way that you stretch before and after your physical activity. Consult your doctor before starting a more rigorous workout routine. If you don’t have a family doctor, NMC Health Family Medicine has expert doctors ready to safely serve you.

Skip to content