In Louisville, Kentucky, 71-year-old Janet Rapp starts each day with a stroll through the local zoo, waving to friends and animals alike. Her walking routine is more than exercise — it eases joint pain, energizes her, and brings a sense of calm.
Rapp’s experience reflects what health experts have long emphasized: walking is an accessible, low-impact way to improve physical and mental health, local affiliate KXAN reported.
According to Dr. Sarah Eby, a sports medicine physician, walking can help anyone meet the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendation for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity weekly exercise. This can reduce risks for serious health conditions like heart disease, hypertension, depression, and even cancer. Unlike some fitness routines, walking doesn’t require equipment or a gym membership, making it highly accessible.
Walking also benefits those managing chronic conditions.
James Blankenship, 68, joined the Louisville Zoo’s walking club after recovering from a heart attack and bypass surgery. “My cardiologist says I’m doing great,” he shared, reflecting on the health gains regular walking can offer.
While walking has many benefits, experts say it’s not enough on its own. Dr. Anita Gust, an exercise science professor, recommends incorporating resistance training twice a week for muscle and bone health, which is especially important as we age. Activities like weightlifting, yoga, or even body-weight exercises complement the benefits of walking.
Do you really need 10,000 steps?
The goal traces back to a 1960s Japanese marketing campaign, but it’s not a strict rule. The average American walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps daily, and small increments can add up. Instead, setting a time goal of 30 minutes daily can make it easier to maintain a routine.
Walking clubs offer community and support, and groups are sprouting across the U.S., such as the popular “City Girls Who Walk” in New York. Louisville’s Zoo club has over 15,000 members who stroll daily from March through October, blending fitness with the joy of watching animals in the fresh morning air.
Ultimately, walking offers an easy path to better health, whether alone, with friends, or with a furry companion. The benefits are as close as your own two feet.
This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.