Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. Making time throughout the day to incorporate opportunities to walk can have a lot of health benefits! Most people are aware of the major health changes, such as increasing energy, losing weight, reducing risks of disease and injury, etc., but here are a few little-known interesting facts about walking:
1. A 15-minute walk can curb chocolate and sugar cravings.
2. Walking can boost creativity by up to 60%.
3. Replacing 1.5 miles of driving with walking can reduce greenhouse gases produced by 75%.
4. About 2000 steps equals 1 mile.
5. Australians walk the most, taking an average of 9,695 steps/day; Americans take the least at 5,117 steps/day.
6. Taking less than 5000 steps per day is considered sedentary.
7. A typical pair of athletic shoes will last for approximately 500 miles of walking.
8. In order to burn the calories of one piece of chocolate-covered candy, a person would have to walk the length of a football field.
9. You use an estimated 200 muscles during walking.
10. Thomas Jefferson lived to be 83 at a time when the life expectancy was 40 years old, and he walked 4 miles every day.
If these fascinating facts haven’t convinced you, here is an inspiring notion: Hippocrates (regarded as the father of medicine, and for whom the ethical standards behind which the Hippocratic Oath is based) said that “Walking is man’s best friend.” So lace up those sneakers, grab a friend or a fabulous playlist, and get walking!
Michelle Crean is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise, a Fitness Nutrition Specialist through the National Federation of Personal Trainers, and also holds certifications in Kickboxing Fitness and Core and Functional Fitness. She lives in Springfield, MA, with her husband, two sons, and their dog Emily.
