Walking is an excellent, easy, and low impact exercise that almost anyone can do to improve their health. Not only is a walking motion an extremely natural movement for the body, but walking consistently can get you into great shape, and provide all kinds of health advantages. Here are five benefits to walking on a regular basis.

1. It can reduce your risk of a heart attack. Walking keeps your heart healthy and in shape by lowering bad cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol levels. Walking on a regular basis will also lower blood pressure, which can contribute to heart disease.

2. It aids in weight loss and management. Walking burns calories easily and is great for toning up and cutting down on excess fat. As little as half an hour a day of walking can make a big difference in weight management.

3. It is a great stress reliever. Exercise is general is an excellent way to manage stress levels. Getting outside for some fresh air and getting your circulation going is healthy both mentally and physically.

4. Walking helps manage diabetes. If you have diabetes, walking regularly actually increases your body’s ability to process sugar, and lower blood sugar levels.

5. Walking promotes healthy bones and joints. Keeping active and moving, especially as you age has a direct impact on how strong your bones and joints are, and can prevent harmful injuries later on in life.

To get motivated to walk, join a community walking club in your community. If you make a commitment to walking and are either paying for it, or others in the group are expecting you to go, you are more likely to be consistent.