Did you know one of the most beneficial steps you can take for your health is to actually take some steps? “There are very few instances that walking won’t be helpful for a patient,” says Orthopedic Surgeon Molly Tatum, DO. “And it’s so accessible, especially with spring around the corner.”

Walking is one of the safest, easiest forms of exercise, while still boasting tremendous physical and mental benefits.

Check out these 5 health advantages of walking:

1. Walking improves circulation. It also wards off heart disease, brings up the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, reduces risk of stroke, and strengthens the heart.
2. Walking lightens mood. Studies have shown that the more steps people take during the day, the better their moods are. That’s because walking releases natural pain-killing endorphins throughout the body.
3. Walking can lead to weight loss. A brisk 30-minute walk burns about 200 calories, depending on your weight. Over time, calories burned can lead to pounds dropped.  
4. Walking strengthens muscles and bones. It tones your leg and abdominal muscles. Over time, walking can increase your range of motion and even help improve your bone density.
5. Walking supports your joints. The majority of joint cartilage has no direct blood supply, but it gets nutrition from joint fluid that circulates as we move. Impact that comes from movement or compression, such as walking, massages the cartilage, bringing oxygen and nutrients into the area.