Walking Daily to Stay Trim this Summer

We all know that we should be moving more — but does walking count as exercise? Absolutely! The health benefits of walking are numerous. With the right pair of comfortable walking sandals or sneakers, a friend by your side, and a brisk pace, walking exercise can be fun and strenuous enough to keep you feeling healthy and happy as the warmer months come. Here’s how to stride your way into summer.

Why Walking is Good for You

How good is walking for you? Very, according to science. A recent study found that the benefits of walking 30 minutes a day could be as effective as medication for reducing your blood pressure.

The official physical activity guideline for American adults is 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (including brisk walking), plus regular strength training. Meet these guidelines, and the health benefits of walking stack up over time. Not only does walking exercise help you to maintain a healthy weight, but it can help prevent certain cancers, and reduce your risk of heart disease, strokes, and depression.

The joy of walking for health in particular is that it’s so easy to do. It’s free; you can fit it around your schedule; and you don’t need any fancy equipment besides a great pair of supportive walking shoes. No wonder walking exercise is recommended as a good way for the 80 percent of Americans who don’t get enough exercise to take up the habit.

Establish a Walking Exercise Routine

When you make walking for health a part of your routine, it’s easier to enjoy all the health benefits. Make sure you take the time to warm up, cool down, and enjoy a good stretch afterwards. 

Once you’ve established a routine, introduce some variety to keep you motivated. Go walking with a friend; listen to podcasts; or mix up your route to include hills and short intervals for a change of pace.

The Best Footwear Can Help You Reap the Full Benefits of Walking

To really enjoy the everyday walking exercise benefit, it’s important to get comfortable. Supportive shoes are non-negotiable, so look for shoes with plenty of arch support, a structured heel, and flexible sole. 

Taos Active Collection of comfortable and stylish sneakers can help you enjoy walking for health by ensuring you stay cool and supported. Every pair has our Curves & Pods® premium removable footbed and many come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials so they’ll look stylish while you’re hitting your stride, too.

Customer favorites like Moc Star make it even easier to get the health benefits of walking by making the exercise more comfortable and supporting your foot the entire time. With a soft padded collar and those premium removable footbeds, you’ll feel like you could walk for days. Plus, these are available in a range of colors to find the perfect pair that suits you.

Walking Benefits Can Be Enjoyed Any Time of Day

Can’t find the time to walk for 30 minutes in one go? It’s fine to split it up into shorter walks and still get the brisk walking benefits. If your colleagues are up for it, you might even be able to fit walking exercise into your work day. A recent study found that outdoor walking meetings are not only good for you physically, but can also make you more productive.

No matter the time, the benefits of walking everyday cannot be denied. Start feeling healthier and happier when you start walking for exercise. If you do want to schedule a walking meeting, or are planning a walk with a friend on a weekend, don’t forget that the right shoes can help! With the right pair of walking shoes and the commitment to establishing a routine, you’ll start enjoying walking benefits sooner than you even realized was possible.

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