Why walking is -yawn- so good for you (and no, it doesn't have to be 10,000 steps!)

Walking. We do it every day, often without thinking about it. Yet walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to work on your health. No expensive gym memberships, complicated schedules or high-tech equipment required – just your legs and a little time. But how many steps do you actually need to take to make a difference? Surprisingly, the magic number of 10,000 steps is not as sacred as is often thought. Good news, right?

Inspiration: The Incredible Journey of Jean Béliveau

Let’s start with an inspiring story. Jean Béliveau decided to literally walk around the world one day – on foot. He walked over 75,000 kilometers, slept in tents, in strangers’ homes and even spent a few nights in a prison cell. Quite an adventure. But rest assured: you don’t have to take such a gigantic hike to benefit from the many advantages that walking offers. It turns out that every step counts, read on.

What walking does for you

Did you know that a simple afternoon walk can do wonders for your mood? Walking reduces stress, produces pleasant endorphins and can even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. But there is more. Walking not only helps your mind, but also your body.

1. Healthier blood vessels: Within a few weeks, your body adapts to walking. Your heart becomes stronger, your blood vessels more efficient, and your blood pressure can even drop. This means less chance of cardiovascular disease.
2. Stronger Bones: The impact of walking stimulates your bones to absorb calcium and minerals. This helps maintain bone density – especially important as you age.
3. A powerful weapon against disease: Walking helps manage your weight and reduces your risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, some cancers and dementia. And all this just by walking!

Do you really need to take 10,000 steps a day?

Many people think that you need to take exactly 10,000 steps every day to stay healthy, but that is a misunderstanding. Of course, 10,000 is a nice goal, but every extra step you take is already a gain. And the great thing is: those steps do not have to be all at once. Take the stairs more often, take a walk after lunch or walk to the supermarket instead of taking the car. Everything counts.

For those who live in a walkable neighbourhood, this is extra easy. Think of walks to shops, friends or just a block around. Moreover, walkable neighbourhoods are often cleaner and greener, because people are less dependent on the car.

How walkable is your area?

Not everyone lives in a neighborhood that is designed for pedestrians. Unfortunately, many cities and towns are designed for cars, which leaves pedestrians somewhat in the shadows. Fortunately, more and more initiatives are emerging to make neighborhoods more walkable. Take Vancouver as an example: a two-kilometer-long street was transformed into a walking and cycling route. The result? People moved more, took the car less often and reduced their personal CO₂ emissions.

You don’t have to wait for big city projects. Even small improvements, like extra zebra crossings or safe walking routes, can make a big difference. Maybe you can start a project in your own neighborhood to make it more walkable?

How do you start walking more yourself?

Walking is accessible and you can start right away. Here are some simple tips:

• Make it cozy: Invite a friend for a walk. Time flies when you chat. A podcast also works, if you don't have a walking partner.
• Combine walking with your daily tasks: Walk to the supermarket or take a detour on the way to work.
• Discover new places: Take a walk in an unknown nature reserve or explore a different part of your city.

Walking: simple, effective and for everyone

Jean Béliveau’s story shows how great walking can be, but remember: you don’t have to walk 75,000 kilometers to make a difference. Every step you take is a step in the right direction. It’s easy and it costs nothing!