7 Amazing Health Benefits of Walking for Women

Walking may seem like a low-impact and possibly low-effect exercise; I mean, most of us do it all day, every day without realizing it. So how effective can it really be? Contrary to popular belief — very!

For us women, walking can bring so many benefits that are bigger than weight loss. What like? Improved mental wellbeing, fitness, mobility, longevity, sleep… The list goes on. As much as it isn’t an exercise that’s going to have you panting and sweating, it is an amazing all-rounder for your mental and physical health.

In this post, we’re diving into 7 ways that walking benefits you and your overall health, many of which you probably may not have considered!

7 Amazing Health Benefits of Walking for Women

1. Promotes Mental Wellness

First off, let me start by letting you know that walking isn’t just for your body, it’s a brain booster too. There are hundreds of studies show that regular walks can have such a profound effect on your mental health making it an easy, free and simple antidote to stress and anxiety!

Reduces stress and anxiety: A brisk walk outside, in a gorgeous park or scenic area, helps you lower your cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and give you a boost of endorphins that can leave you feeling calm and refreshed. Maybe even a little energized!
Boosts your mood and battles depression: Walking triggers the production of serotonin and dopamine which we know are our happy hormones. They help fight depression and lift your mood.
Improves focus and clarity: If you’re sitting dwindling away at your desk, take a short walk and get some fresh air. It’ll help you clear that brain fog and improve your concentration.
Sparks creativity: Walking tickles the part of your brain that’s associated with getting in your flow state. If you’re already an avid walker, you may gave experienced a load of light bulb moments when you’ve been mid stride.

2. Improves Physical Health

While walking may seem low-impact, the physical benefits it offers are far from!

Strengthens your heart: Walking will get your heart going in addition to improving your blood circulation and lowering the risk of any heart disease. Just a 30-minute walk each day can significantly reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Improves bone density and joint mobility: One of the biggest benefits of walking as opposed to high impact exercises like running, it that it is gentle on the joints and helps build up and maintain bone density which in turn reduces the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Strengthens your immune system: Walking regularly positively affects white blood cell production, helping your body fight against illnesses like colds and flu.
Improves your posture and muscle tone: Believe it or not, being upright and on your feet strengthens the core and leg muscles which in turn improves your balance, posture, and stability.

3. Boosts Energy and Endurance

As I mentioned before, walking can energize you, recharge your battery, and even build your endurance.

Fights fatigue: When you’re feeling sluggish and yuck, a short walk can give you an instant energy boost and it does this by increasing the oxygen flowing throughout the body.
Improves stamina long term: Regular walking builds your cardio endurance helping you power through everyday activities without feeling puffed out and tired.
Helps you regulate your energy levels: Walking ensures you stay energized all through the day, reducing your need for energy boosters like caffeine and sugar.

4. Helps Balance Hormones

As we all know, hormone balance is essential for your overall well-being and walking plays a pivotal role in keeping your hormones in check.

Supports menstrual health: Regular walking can help when your cramps kick in and help regulate your cycle by reducing inflammation and stress in your body.
Eases menopause symptoms: Walks help to reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings by improving your blood circulation and balancing hormone levels.
Promote better hormonal regulation: Low impact exercises like walking help lower insulin levels and balance hormones related to your appetite and the energy your body uses.

Walking is such a good way to meet new people and fill your social quota.

Strengthens relationships: Taking walks with your family and friends, family, or a partner can deepen bonds with them by giving you the opportunity to have quality time.
Encourages self-reflection: Taking solo walks creates space for mindfulness and looking within, helping you process emotions, and create new goals or plans for the future.
Being part of a community: Joining walking groups or taking part in charity walks creates a sense of belonging and connection with new friends.

6. Enhances Brain Health

Your brain benefits from walking just as much as your body does, especially as you age.

Reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia: Lots of studies show that regular walking has been linked to bettering brain health and reducing the risk of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Improves your memory and brain function: Walking increases blood flow to your brain, enhancing your memory and problem-solving skills.
Boosts neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections and walking helps the brain adapt and grow, making it easier to learn new skills and retain information.

7. Relieves Stress and Improves Sleep

A good walk might be all you need for a good night’s sleep tonight!

Promotes a deeper and more restful sleep: Walking helps to regulate your circadian rhythm making it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.
A natural stress reliever: Walking reduces stress levels, regulates your nervous system, and releases a good old dose of happy hormones.

Pin these benefits of walking to come back later!

Step into a Healthier You

Walking is one of the best yet cheapest and most accessible exercises and tools for improving your overall health. Aside from weight loss (which let’s be honest most of us strive for at some point), walking nurtures your mind, your body and your emotions in ways that will see your life change in a beautiful way.

Whether you start walking as part of your exercise routine, use it as a means to make new friends or just use it to clear your head, every step counts towards creating a better sense of wellbeing for yourself.

So get your comfy walking shoes on, get outside, and get those steps in.

Oh and enjoy it while you’re doing it!

How Walking Benefits Your Health Beyond Weight Loss