The health benefits of walking: Definition, pros and cons of walking

More information on walking

Is walking good for your health? Is walking a good sport for everyone? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced walker, here’s a list of the benefits and problems you can expect to encounter when you walk.

TOP 7 health benefits of walking!

Walking is a simple activity with proven benefits. Practicing regularly, at least 30 minutes a day and ideally aiming for 10,000 steps a day, will enable you to :

1/ Walking is a gentle way to resume physical activity

With its low intensity, walking is the most basic, natural and gentle form of exercise there is.

2/ Walking overcomes a sedentary lifestyle

Between 30 minutes and 1 hour’s ordinary walking a day is an effective way of combating the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle (obesity, diabetes, back problems, etc.).

3/ Walking improves cardiovascular health and breathing

Regular walking strengthens our heart and cardiovascular system. It also develops our respiratory capacity, helping us to breathe more easily.

4/ Walking preserves joints and relieves back strain

Ordinary walking is a gentle exercise that doesn’t require any impact on the joints. It is therefore advisable to adopt good posture to enjoy the full benefits of walking. This posture will strengthen your back and protect your joints.

5/ Walking strengthens muscles and bones

Walking gently tones and strengthens the body. Walking mainly works the lower limbs and trunk.

6/ Walking relieves stress and improves sleep quality

Walking helps reduce the factors that contribute to sleep disorders (stress, anxiety, depression…). Many of us feel good after getting some exercise. In fact, our bodies produce a number of hormones (endorphins, serotonin, etc.) that affect our mood and well-being, and regulate our sleep and wake cycles. So regular walking (if not in the evening or before bedtime) helps you get a better night’s sleep.

7/ Walking lets you enjoy the benefits of daylight

Walking outdoors and exposing yourself to daylight helps prevent the blues and depressive symptoms, but that’s not all! Regular outdoor walking helps maintain vitamin D levels, especially in winter.

What are the pros and cons of walking?

Unlike running, walking does not involve traumatic shocks. This major difference with running means that joints are preserved and traumas and injuries are limited. Finally, there are no real contraindications to walking.

Here’s some information and advice for your walking training!

Who can go walking?

If there’s one physical activity you can do on a daily basis without forcing yourself, it’s putting one foot in front of the other. We’re programmed to walk, and not walking enough is the leading cause of obesity. Walking requires no physical condition, and can be practised at any age, solo or in a group, and anywhere (city, park, flat or uneven terrain…). This age-old mode of transport was long abandoned in favor of motorized vehicles. Today, walking is back in vogue, and can be enjoyed in an infinite variety of ways.

When and how to walk?

Regular or healthy walking differs from Nordic walking, or brisk walking, in that its pace is lower, between 5 and 6 km/h. Less long and intense than hiking. It’s the kind of walk you adapt to your commute to and from work or the metro.

Even if ordinary walking remains a natural gesture, don’t forget to :

• keep a straight spine posture
• keep your shoulders and arms relaxed
• roll your foot naturally from heel to toe
• breathe naturally
• wear a good pair of comfortable, lightweight shoes that protect your heel while supporting the foot’s natural rolling motion.