Healthwise
To print: Use your web browser's print feature. Close this window after printing.

Fitness: Walking for Wellness

Table of Contents


Overview

Setting an easy daily or weekly goal can motivate you to walk for your health.

Experts recommend at least 2½ hours of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, each week. It's fine to walk in shorter periods of time throughout your day and week that add up to the recommended goals1


How can you make a walking program part of your life?

Adding steps to your walking program

You can increase your walking in simple ways. These suggestions can get you started, and you can probably think of more ways.

Walking with others

You can make walking an important part of your life by getting friends and family to join you.

Being safe when you walk

The weather, the time of day, and where you walk can create unsafe conditions. Here are tips to making your walks safer.


References

Citations

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2018). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd ed. https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition. Accessed July 9, 2018.

Credits for Fitness: Walking for Wellness

Current as of: June 5, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document. Some information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.