Dossier walking:do you walk healthy

You can walk anytime and anywhere. And it is also very good for your physical and mental health. We have bundled the benefits of (firm) walking in a file.

Walking for a few minutes every day does wonders for your health, body and mind.

How long does walking do exactly what?

Brain:walking about 2 hours a week reduces the risk of a stroke by 30 percent.
Heart:Walking for 30-60 minutes almost every day significantly lowers the risk of heart disease.
Bones:Walking 4 hours a week lowers the risk of hip fractures by no less than 43 percent
Weight:Walking 1 hour a day reduces the risk of obesity by 50 percent.
Memory:walking for 40 minutes 3 times a week protects the part of your brain that is linked to planning and memory.
Health:With 3,500 steps a day you reduce the risk of diabetes by 29 percent.
Mentally:Walking for 30 minutes a day can reduce symptoms of depression by 36 percent.
Lifespan:75 minutes of brisk walking per week can extend your lifespan by almost 2 years.

And we have many more fun facts about hiking, read '10 facts about hiking'

Walking and the lockdown

Walking is becoming more and more popular during the lockdowns. But what if you are still a beginner? How can you best tackle it then? You can make a good start in the article 'More walking:this is how you start'.

Walking with apps

Walking together with a neighbor who works at home is of course a pleasant break. Yet it is possible to give your walk some extra fun and challenge. For example, with an app you can compete with family and friends that you can now see less. These are the best apps!

Other environment

You may have seen that round in the neighborhood by now. So get out there, because there are so many beautiful walking routes in the Netherlands. Just read 'Want to go for a walk? Here you will find beautiful walking routes'.

Spice up your walk

Everyone has heard that walking 10,000 steps a day does a lot for your health. But sometimes you don't have the time and then you can also spice up the walk in another way. Walk briskly for 10 minutes each day. These are the advantages.

But if you do have more time to invest in walking, you can probably also use some tips for taking long walks. Read it in '15 tips for long distance walking'.

Challenge

Santé journalist Lydia had read that walking makes you super fit every day, but was eager to experience it for yourself. So she accepted the challenge and walked for an hour every day for a month. And this was the effect.