The Benefits of Walking

Looking for a simple way to support your health and improve your mood? Walking is one of the most accessible forms of physical activity and offers meaningful health benefits, including reducing high blood pressure, supporting healthy weight management and improving sleep.

Health experts recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. One effective way to meet this recommendation is by walking briskly for 30 minutes, five days a week. As your routine becomes more comfortable, gradually increasing your pace or distance can help enhance these benefits.

A short daily walk can be the first step toward establishing a sustainable routine that fits into your day. Tracking your progress – such as steps taken, minutes walked or distance covered – can help maintain motivation and make it easier to see how consistent habits contribute to your long term health.

As you work to get more active, taking advantage of the following university benefits can help you along on your journey:

• Join a Gym: With a One Pass Select membership, you can access at-home workouts and gym/fitness locations nationwide. Whether you want to begin with walking on a treadmill or engage in more rigorous fitness routines, purchasing a membership allows you to do so at an affordable price. 
• Track Your Stats: Download the MedEmpower Fuel app and utilize its many key features, including health indicator tracking and personal coaching. 
• Save in Style: Getting active doesn’t mean having to spend more. Through Access Perks, you can get discounts on walking shoes, comfortable activewear and other fitness accessories, so you can keep costs in check.

Time to lace up your shoes, grab a leash if you have a furry walking buddy and take that first step toward a more active lifestyle. Your body (and mind) will thank you. 

For more information on your benefits, visit uasys.edu/benefits.