Benefits of Walking for Employees

The health benefits associated with being physically active on a regular basis can be achieved through:

• a minimum of three short 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day, or
• through longer sessions of moderately intense activities such as brisk walking.

The objective is to accumulate 30-60 minutes of daily moderate physical activity to improve overall health and well-being.

A substantial portion of the Canadian population is not physically active enough to experience health benefits. In fact, the World Health Organization recognizes that sedentary lifestyles are one of the most serious problems confronting us today.

Research supports that regular physical activity reduces the risk of:

• numerous chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis,
• Type 2 diabetes, and
• several cancers

Other benefits of physical activity participation include:

• Increased energy and decreased fatigue
• Weight management
• Improved health and fitness
• Improved sleep patterns
• Improved self-image
• Continued independent living
• Improved productivity and mood
• Reduced stress
• Reduced risk of back injuries
• Improved job satisfaction and team spirit

(Singh, 2002; Shephard, 1999)