Many people believe in order to lose weight and improve their fitness level, it requires intensive exercise and hours spent working out each day. While this method can seriously help you improve your fitness level, you do not have to jump into obsessively heading to the gym. For lots of people, intense exercise might not be the best for them, depending on specific health issues or lifestyle types. Instead, you can work on improving your health and fitness simply by spending more time walking. Walking is a natural movement and the CDC recommends we’re active for at least 60 minutes each day. Unfortunately, most people come nowhere near this number. Here are some of the many benefits you can get from simply walking that’ll hopefully motivate you to get outside and move more!

It aids weight loss

A lot of people want to get more active in order to lose a certain amount of weight. However, it can be challenging to go from inactivity to working out regularly. A great way to start your fitness journey is through walking; it’s more relaxed and doesn’t feel like work, but you’ll see results. Even walking 30 minutes a day can help get you in better shape, but it’s important to remember that you might also need to make dietary changes to see the results you want.

You’ll boost your mood

Spending time outside and general exercise does a fantastic job of making you feel better. Studies have shown that physical exercise lowers levels of stress and helps improve your outlook on life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or bogged down at work, take a short break and walk outside for a few minutes.

It increases creativity

In addition to boosting your mood, regular walking helps with your creativity. Whether you’re working on a personal project or are stuck at work, finding new ways to think about an issue or view something you’re working on is incredibly beneficial. We all know what it feels like when you hit a dead end and think you simply cannot come up with more innovative ideas; when you get there, go ahead and take a walk.

It’s easy on your joints

If you’re older or have health issues, starting vigorous exercise can be too much. As you age, your joints aren’t as adequate at handling hard impacts as they once were. Luckily, walking is much less stressful on your joints, but still gets you great health benefits.

It improves your health

While all of the points above have been about specific ways you improve your health with walking, it also improves your overall health. You’ll reduce your risk of chronic disease and realize you just feel better as you walk more. Walking is great for someone at any age or stage in life and have innumerable benefits to your health.