Effective weight control. The National Weight Control Registry evaluated people who sustained a 30-pound weight loss over five years and found exercise to be key. It also found walking to be the most common form of exercise by people who lost weight successfully. Reduced risk of diabetes. Walking helps prevent obesity, reduces blood glucose levels, and increases the body's response to insulin.
Exercise helps ward off depression.
Reduced cancer risk. Physical activity may help lower the risk of breast and colon cancers. Although this pace is faster than a leisurely stroll, it's slow enough for most people to be able to carry on a conversation with a walking buddy. If you have led a sedentary lifestyle and are starting an exercise program, you don't have to go the full 30 minutes at the start. Begin walking 10 minutes a day for a week and add five minutes each week.