The benefits of exercise begin early in life. Children who accompany their parents in walks develop habits that appear to minimize the risk of childhood obesity and diabetes.

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Should you walk, run, or jog?

Walking is the perfect exercise

Walking shoes

Before you start walking

Moderate exercise decreases their chances of developing hypertension and - for girls - certain kinds of cancer.


Children need to expend energy to build bones - a minimum of 60 minutes every day.


Walking has long-term benefits for everyone - regardless of age, gender, or physical condition.


According to medical studies, moderate exercise such as walking can help you stay well and reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and more, by:

Improving blood sugar control

Improving heart function

Promoting weight maintenance

Lowering blood pressure

Lowering triglycerides levels

Lowering low-density lipoproteins (LDL) - the "bad" cholesterol

Increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL) - the "good" cholesterol

Improving breathing

Increasing muscular strength and endurance

Building up lean body mass

Improving the range of motion and the flexibility of your arms and legs

Reducing depression

Increasing your pain threshold

Improving self-image and self-esteem

Improving your sense of well-being

Building and maintaining your bones, muscles, and joints

Helping to prevent osteoporosis

Enhancing flexibility, posture and balance

Lowering risk of heart disease and colon cancer

Providing sunshine and vitamin D (if outdoors)

Keeping you more limber and mobile

Taking you from the hustle and bustle of your daily life

Putting you into a relaxed, meditative frame of mind

It is hard to imagine a reason.

Even if you are disabled and need extra accommodations, you should be able to set up a modified walking program.

If you have allergies, you could take any of the over-the-counter medications to take care of your symptoms, or you can walk on a treadmill indoors.

If you are obese, start out by walking slowly.