Walking is undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to start exercising, and recently it has become one of the UK’s favorite past times. 

Even if you hate working out, walking is a great way to get into cardio or aerobic exercise. A little walking is better than no exercise after all. It gets your blood flowing, strengthens muscles, and helps you burn fat. Still, need some convincing to go on a walk?

Here’s a list of 10 benefits of walking daily:

1. It’s Free

You can literally walk anywhere. Indoors and outdoors. Whenever you have the time to do it, you can start walking to get your blood flowing. 

1. Weight Loss

When paired with a healthy diet, walking can aid in weight loss. The more active you are, the more you will notice its benefits to your weight - reducing your risk of obesity and diabetes.

1. Socialising Opportunity

You can walk alone or with friends. It’s a great way to exercise while catching up with friends and family. 

1. Reduce Health Risks

There are many health benefits attributed to walking. One study found that walking only 5 miles per week can reduce the risk for cardiovascular issues and reduce blood pressure. Another study suggested for every 1km walked daily, leads to a 5% decrease in becoming obese, according to an American Journal of Preventive Medicine study. Regular walking can relieve arthritis pain since it circulates fluid that brings oxygen to the joints while also removing inflammation.

1. Good for Family Health

Walking with your children provides benefits to the whole family. It is an opportunity to bond as well as studies showing it can improve your child's mood, memory, and overall learning abilities. 

1. Helps With Creativity

The Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition published a study that found people who needed to boost creativity thought of better ideas while walking. If you need to be creative, take a walk to get the ideas flowing. 

1. Get Focused

Can’t seem to focus on what you’re doing? A brief yet brisk walk may help you with sharp decision-making to get the task done.

1. Fun

Walking doesn’t need to be boring. If you’re walking solo, you can take in the sounds of nature, listen to your favorite music or use the time to learn something new with a podcast or audiobook. A walk with a friend, or a furry friend, to give you that little boost to get out moving. 

1. Reduces Sugar Cravings

University studies showed that a short walk can curb the urge to eat chocolate during stressful situations. Walking may also reduce the desire to eat sugary snacks.

1. Improves Immunity

Want to boost your immune system? Alongside supplementation, studies found that individuals who walked up to 20 minutes daily had fewer sick days than those only exercising once per week. 

1. Can Improve Mental Health

Exercise has long been proven to help with both mental and physical fitness. Psychologists found that a 10-minute walk can be just as beneficial as a 45-minute workout in reducing anxiety and depression.

Get Walking Today 

Walking is one of the best ways to get in exercise with little effort. Not only does it improve your physical health, but there are clear benefits to your mental wellbeing too. 

For a list of Britain’s favorite 100 walks, check out The Outdoor Guide.