Walking and biking are two of the best things you can do for your health, wallet, and the planet. They’re both low-impact activities that are easy on your joints and can help you lose weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your mood.
For your wallet: Biking and walking are accessible and can save you money on transportation costs. If you live in a city, you can walk or bike to work, school, or the grocery store. And if you live in the suburbs or rural areas, you can use walking or biking to get around town.
Finally, walking and biking are good for the planet. They don’t produce emissions, so they help to reduce air pollution and climate change. And they also help to create a more livable environment by making our streets and sidewalks more accessible and inviting for people of all ages and abilities.
Walking and biking are great options if you’re looking to improve your health, save money, and help the planet. They’re fun, easy, and can be done anywhere.
Walking and biking health benefits:
- Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Walking and biking are great ways to burn calories and lose weight. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people who walked for at least 30 minutes a day were 40% less likely to be obese than those who didn’t walk.
- Reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Walking and biking can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- Improve your mood. Walking and biking can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels. In one study, people who walked for 30 minutes daily reported feeling less stressed and more energetic than those who didn’t walk.
- Strengthen your bones and muscles. Walking and biking can help strengthen your bones and muscles. This is especially important as we age, as our bones and muscles naturally start to weaken.
- Improve your balance and coordination. Walking and biking can help improve your balance and coordination. This is important for people of all ages but vital for older adults at risk of falls.
- Have fun! Walking and biking are great ways to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. They’re also great for meeting new people and exploring your community.
Tips to get you started
- Start slowly and gradually increase your distance and intensity.
- Find a safe route to walk or bike.
- Bring water with you.
- Find a walking or biking buddy to help you stay motivated.
- Make walking or biking a part of your daily routine.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Be aware of your surroundings and obey traffic laws.
- Have fun!
