Health benefits of walking - STEP ON IT

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH? IT MIGHT BE ALL IN YOUR STRIDE

- Madison Bogisch.

It's no secret that thanks to transport, desk jobs and busy schedules, exercise is often the last thing on many agendas.

In fact, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost half (44 per cent) of adults spend much of their day sitting a big concern considering physical inactivity is closely linked to diabetes, some cancers, dementia, coronary heart disease and stroke.

Luckily, to get active again you don't have to start training for a triathlon or hit the gym twice a day, you just need to go for a walk.

New Idea sat down with Dr Ross Walker, chief medical officer at Heart Smart Australia, to find out how walking can do your health some good and how you can get a pep back in your step.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALKING?

Dr Walker notes that going for a walk is a great way to activate your muscles and get your blood circulating. While going for a stroll is definitely lower impact than your typical HIIT workout, there are still several health benefits of walking:

1 Heart health