Take A Walk! Walking is a simple activity that has been shown to have a number of health benefits. Below is a list of the many benefits you can reap from walking:

Prevent Weight Gain
Losing weight can be hard, but maintaining that weight loss can be even harder. Fortunately, walking on a regular basis can help prevent you from gaining weight. There was an Australian study done in 2013 that examined the effects walking had on weight gain. The study lasted four years. The results of the study showed that the average person gained 3.5 pounds. However, the people who walked to work gained an average of two pounds less than those who drove to work.

Reduce Body Fat
Walking not only helps prevent weight gain, but it can also help reduce your body fat. There was a study done by the University of Quebec in Montreal. It involved 57 women who were between the ages of 50 and 70. One group of women walked less than 7,500 steps per day, another group walked between 7,500 and 10,000 steps per day, and the other group walked over 10,000 steps per day. The results of the study showed that the group who walked over 10,000 steps per day experienced the greatest decrease in body fat percentage. They also lost more weight.

Boost Blood Sugar Control
Regular walking can make it easier for you to control your blood sugar. In fact, studies have shown that walking 15 minutes after eating a meal can help improve blood sugar control and prevent insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition that occurs when the body has a lowered response to insulin. Insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar.

Lower Stress
Walking is a great stress reliever. It has been shown to help lower cortisol. Your body produces more cortisol when you are stressed. However, prolonged elevated levels of cortisol can cause serious damage to your tissue and organs. Walking also helps increase endorphins, which are often referred to as the happy hormones.

Good For Your Mental Health
Walking is not only good for your physical health, but it is also good for your mental health. Walking can help prevent cognitive decline in seniors. It can also help improve academic performance in adolescents. Additionally, walking can help ease mild depression.