Benefits of Walking Outdoors

The many benefits of walking outdoors include:

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Improved Mood

• Enhanced Brain Function

• More Fun

• Increase Vitamin D

• Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes

• Strengthen your bones and muscles

• Improve your balance and coordination

Don’t do too much too soon, it is best to start with small 10-15 min walks about 3 to 4 times per week. Once you have done this for a few weeks you can increase either your total distance and/or frequency. The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits. Once you have built up your walking strength and endurance try adding some external load like a backpack with 5-10 additional pounds in it. This will increase the intensity of your walk which will help you burn additional calories.

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