“It is not fast enough to get me to where I am going.” “I barely even break a sweat while doing it, so how can it be good for me?” “It requires almost no muscle movement, so it isn’t the same as working out.” These are some possible thoughts that people may have about walking, and in some ways, they are all very legitimate. When people think about the concept of getting healthy, they think about crazy diets and intense workout plans. However, walking can benefit the body in a number of ways.

According to this infographic from the American College of Sports Medicine, there are several health benefits of walking. In addition to some interesting links to weight loss and reducing your risk of cancer, the document also focuses on chronic illnesses, such as:

• Arthritis: When individuals with arthritis limit themselves from any motion, their joints become even stiffer. Walking is an easy way to lightly work out some tender joints.

• Dementia: Everyone experiences normal mental decline as they get older, but seniors who walk a mile each day decline at a slower rate.

• Diabetes: You can reduce your risk of Type II diabetes by 50% if you walk for just a half hour each day in addition to monitoring your diet.

• Depression: Any activity that gets the heart rate up and blood pumping releases endorphins, which promote relaxation and relieve anxiety and depression.

• Heart Disease: Stress, cholesterol, and blood pressure all play an important role in our heart health, and walking for 30 minutes a day can reduce the levels of all three.

As bad as smoking cigarettes may be for your health, it is said that living a sedentary lifestyle might be even worse. Finding approximately 30 minutes each day is not a huge commitment, and the payoffs will be well worth it down the road. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico knows how important your overall fitness and nutrition are to your foot and ankle health. At Syracuse Podiatry, located in Fayetteville, NY, you can receive quality care for diabetic wounds, arthritis, and more. Contact us or call us today at (315) 446-3668!