Benefits of Walking

Many British Columbians are not active enough to receive health benefits. This is of serious concern since inactivity is associated with a number of health issues including obesity, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.

Walking is a simple way to improve overall wellbeing and reduce the chances of developing the health concerns associated with inactivity.

  • Walking is free and can be done almost anywhere
  • Walking is a form of exercise which is within the physical capabilities of many people
  • Walking may be a more realistic challenge than other more vigorous forms of exercise
  • Walking can be integrated into people's lifestyles relatively easily
  • The level of impact is low and strain on the feet and joints is minimized thus making the risk of injury very low

Increasing physical activity through walking is associated many health benefits including:

  • Reducing the risk of coronary heart disease
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Reducing high cholesterol
  • Reducing body fat
  • Enhancing mental wellbeing
  • Increasing bone density
  • Reducing the risk of cancer of the colon
  • Helping to control body weight
  • Helping osteoarthritis
  • Helping to increase flexibility and co-ordination

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