Walking is the new wine drinking

Walking boring? Think again. It’s the fitgirl trend you might not have seen coming, but it does everything for you: from tightening your legs to clearing your head.

Millennials are doing it en masse during their hikes on vacation, but I advocate giving walking a permanent place in your day. No hiking boots needed, no complicated schedules—just a stroll. Half an hour a day, three times a week. I walk about three to four kilometers at a brisk pace, often with a nice podcast on. And the best part is: it costs nothing. No gym, no coach, no registration fees. Just you and your legs.

1. Walking is just as good as a doctor's prescription

Did you know that one walk a week already lowers the risk of heart and vascular diseases? Yep. Brisk walking improves your circulation, lowers your cholesterol, and strengthens your heart. You literally give your health a boost. So the next time you’re torn between the couch or a stroll: think of your heart, and off you go.

2. It’s pure zen for your mind

Walking reduces stress and anxiety, according to research from Stanford University. Especially in nature: offline for a bit, fresh air, feet on the ground. Whether you walk along the beach, through the park, or just around your neighborhood—movement + fresh air = deluxe mind clearer.

3. Walking makes you slimmer than you think

Fashion secret: all models walk. Yes, really. Even our own Lily takes her walk daily. You quickly burn 250 calories per half hour (more if you maintain a nice pace) and you activate fat burning. And with those slim legs as a bonus, who says no to that?

4. Your bones and joints will be happy

Milk is out, walking is in. It strengthens your bones, nourishes your cartilage (seriously!), and makes your joints more flexible. Especially if you sit a lot—guilty?—this is the perfect antidote for stiff office calves and sore shoulders.

5. It’s free and practical

You don’t need to rich be for it. No expensive sports subscription, no sixty-euro pilates class. Just a good pair of shoes (hello sneakers), a nice outfit (for Insta motivation), and you’re ready. And count how many walking moments you actually already have: to the supermarket, the lunch walk, picking up the kids from school? Everything counts.

6. Walking makes you more creative

Fun bonus: walking boosts your creativity. Researchers from Stanford found that walkers think up to 60% more creatively than people who sit still. So brainstorming an idea? Walk it out. No genius insight needed while having coffee behind your laptop.

7. It’s the new social activity

Walking is the new drinking wine. Okay, maybe not entirely, but a walking date with your bestie, mom, or colleague is just as connecting (and much healthier). And believe me: the conversations are often better on the way than on the couch.

Favorite: these are the 5 best walking routes in the Netherlands

• The Waterloopbos, Flevoland
  Magical forest + hidden waterworks = insta-worthy and calming.
• Kennemerduinen, Noord-Holland
  Dunes, forest, and a view over the sea. Perfect for a golden hour walk.
• Veluwezoom, Gelderland
  Walking at sunrise among the purple heather? Breathtaking.
• The Soesterduinen, Utrecht
  Sand, pines, and space. Bonus: perfect for a shoefie.
• Estate Twickel, Overijssel
  As if you’re walking in a movie set. Castles, avenues, bridges—you’ll love it.

Source

Source: Stanford University research on the effects of walking