Want to Lose Weight? Start Walking!
You don’t need a fancy gym membership to lose weight. On the contrary, one of the most powerful ways to slim down is free: walk! Walking for weight loss may even be more effective than running, according to a 2015 study. British researchers found that people who regularly took brisk walks weighed less than those devoted to other types of physical activity, including running, swimming, and cycling.
Why walking is so good for you
Walking literally transforms your body and mind. In fact, research shows it can add almost two years to your life. Of course, there’s the major perk that sneaking in those steps helps you shed unwanted weight. But going for a walk can benefit your body in other significant ways too. Here’s how:
- It guards your brain. Two hours of walking per week cuts your risk of stroke by 30%. Hitting the road also protects brain regions associated with planning and memory, and doing it for 20 minutes a day has even been found to reduce symptoms of depression.
Excerpted from Prevention
