Fitness: Walking for wellness

Why walk for wellness?

Brisk walking is a form of aerobic exercise. This is exercise that increases your heart rate for an extended time. Aerobic exercise helps strengthen your heart, lungs, and muscles. A strong heart carries more blood, along with oxygen and nutrients, to the rest of the body. Aerobic exercise also lowers blood pressure and can help you stay at a healthy weight.

Walking and other aerobic exercise also can improve your mood and energy. Regular exercise helps prevent anxiety and depression.²

Walking also keeps your bones healthy. It is a weight-bearing activity, which means that it works the muscles and bones against gravity. This can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis and broken bones.

Walking, like all physical activity, burns calories. Being active is important for staying at a healthy weight.

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1. Brisk walking increases your heart rate and strengthens your heart.

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Author:	Marianne Flagg	Last Updated: February 29, 2008
Medical Review:	Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator Heather Chambliss, PhD - Exercise Science/Weight Management
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