In my New-Year’s-On-Thanksgiving post, I touted the benefit of walking. But I didn’t address the benefits of walking. If you like to see evidence before making a committment, here’s some recommended reading on the benefits of walking.

1. The Mayo Clinic One of the best Web sites for information on any health topic, the Mayo Clinic’s Web site notes: “Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. Walking is one of your body’s most natural forms of exercise. It’s safe, simple, doesn’t require practice, and the health benefits are many.” Among them: lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), lowers blood pressure, reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes, helps manage your weight. Learn more here.
2. AARP “If a daily fitness walk could be put in a pill,” says the organization representing those of us who’ve reached the half century mark, “it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world. … Walking can reduce the risk of many diseases — from heart attack and stroke to hip fracture and glaucoma. These may sound like claims on a bottle of snake oil, but they’re backed by major research. Walking requires no prescription, the risk of side effects is very low, and the benefits are numerous.” Learn more here.
3. National Institutes of Health Weight-control Information Network. The government authority on health matters begins its pitch for walking with a pragmatic appeal: “Walking is one of the easiest ways to be physically active. You can do it almost anywhere and at any time. Walking is also inexpensive–all you need is a pair of shoes with sturdy heel support.” Learn more here.
4. American Heart Association. Has a separate Web site – startwalkingnow.org – that not only tells you why it’s good to walk, but offers a variety of resources – from a log where you can record your walks, to suggestions for where you can walk to an online community of fellow walkers who share tips and offer support. Learn more here.