Health benefits of walking linked to session duration

Walking provides significant health benefits by serving as both a cardiovascular and a weight-bearing exercise. Experts note that walking engages the entire lower body, including the legs, calves, and hips, while also requiring core stabilization that can improve posture. Because it is weight-bearing, regular walking helps boost bone health.

Research involving data from the UK Biobank suggests that the duration of walking sessions impacts mortality risks. A study of over 33,000 adults found that longer walking periods are associated with a lower risk of early death and better heart health. Specifically, individuals who regularly walk for 15 minutes or more showed the lowest risk of early mortality at 0.8%, compared to those who walk in bursts of less than five minutes, who faced a 4.36% risk.