April 5th is National Walking Day. Get up, get out and take a walk!  The American Heart Association says just 30 minutes of walking every day is enough to give your heart a boost.  But many health experts recommend taking at least 10,000 steps per day, which adds up to about five miles.

In honor of National Walking Day. Here are a few benefits to walking for exercise. 

1. It is FREE. Who doesn’t like free? On an average day, 30 percent of American adults walk for exercise.

2. Walk to manage your weight. Avoiding weight gain might be as simple as taking a walk.

3. Walk to manage blood pressure. Studies show that a heart-pumping walking routine can help lower blood pressure.

4. Walk to protect against dementia. Walking which improves cerebral blood flow and lowers the risk of vascular disease, may help stave off dementia, the cognitive loss that often comes with old age.

5. Walk to prevent or control diabetes. Studies show that a 20-30 minute walk can help lower blood sugar for 24 hours.

6. Walk to improve your mood. A brisk walk can boost your mood and may even help you treat depression.

7. Walk to reduce pain. Yes, it seems counterintuitive, but to reduce pain from arthritis, start moving.

Christians are also encouraged to walk by faith. What exactly does it mean to walk by faith? Walking by faith means living life in light of eternal consequences, which are controlled and orchestrated by God. Here are reasons to walk by Faith. 

1. Faith pleases God. Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God. I want to love and serve God with my entire heart, soul and strength. My faith can make God smile.

2. Faith says yes to God and no to fear. God is bigger than every doubt. By choosing to step out in faith, I am saying, “Yes, Lord.”

3. Faith reminds me of who’s Boss. It teaches me to lean not on my own understanding and to acknowledge Him in all my ways. (see Proverbs 3:4-5) As I become more dependent on Him, I find real rest and peace. 

Today, join me in increasing your physical activity by getting in 30 minutes of brisk walking and also stepping out of fear and trusting God. Do you have some benefits of your own that are not listed? Please feel free to subscribe and comment below.