Walking does wonders for both the body and the soul. Did you know that just 15 to 30 minutes of walking a day can boost your heart health and slash your risk of diabetes? If you need more convincing, here’s four reasons you should add walking into the mix of your workout routine.

Lift Your Mood

While some other more vigorous forms of exercise may help you build muscle or burn calories a little faster, there is so much to be said for a simple walk around the neighborhood or on the many beautiful nearby trails. A walk will instantly lift your mood, especially if it’s done outside (as opposed to on a treadmill). A little bit of vitamin D coupled with fresh, clean air does wonders for lifting spirits. Walking also releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones released during exercise, which makes this an excellent choice for a low-impact workout.

Social Hour

What’s better than walking? Walking with someone! Catch up on your friend time, which we all need, during a walk that can be done at your own pace. Start up a walking group a few times a week — not only can you catch up with each other, but there’s also the accountability factor — you’re more likely to stick to your walks if you have others depending on you. You can boost your mood, social life, and health, all in one hour. That’s a win in our book.

Low-Impact Is Good

Perhaps you’re into CrossFit, or spend a majority of your workouts going all out. Intense workouts like that can be hard on your body, physically. Adding a walk into the mix offers a low-impact workout to allow some recovery time and keep your body in good order, to keep up with those more high-intensity workouts.

Improve Overall Health

When you walk, you benefit from the constant movement of your body, which then results in a myriad of awesome advantages. When you walk on a regular basis, you reap the benefits of improved circulation, improved balance, stronger bones, and calories burned. Walking can even cut your risk of certain diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Walk your way into a new fitness routine, and your mind and body will thank you. For more health and fitness tips, check out Vistara at SanTan Village’s blog.