Why is Walking the Most Popular Form of Exercise?  When it comes to simple ways to be healthy, walking is all the rage. Follow these tips getting started and learn more about fitness walking.  You can get active in lots of ways, but walking is one of the easiest! For most people, it’s safe, easy to stick with, and low- or no-cost. It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. For such a simple activity, it has so many benefits.

For every hour of brisk walking, life expectancy for some people may increase by two hours. Research has shown that walking at least 150 minutes a week can help you:

• Reduce your risk of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
• Improve your blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels.
• Incease your energy and stamina.
• Improve your mental and emotional well-being.
• Boost bone strength and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
• Prevent weight gain.

If 150 minutes sounds like a lot, remember that even short 10-minute activity sessions can be added up over the week to reach this goal. And it’s easy to fit in 10 minutes of walking a few times a day.

Just Walk:  Maybe you haven’t been active for a while. No problem! Just get started. It’s not all or nothing… it’s step by step. Even if you’re already active, here are some easy ways you can add more steps into your day:

• Grab the leash and take the dog out for a walk.
• Walk the kids to the park or playground.
• Forget about rock star parking. Park a bit farther from the entrance to your workplace, school, grocery store, restaurants, etc.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator, even if just for one or two floors.
• Walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch or dinner instead of driving.
• Catch up with a friend by walking around the block while you chat on the phone.