The Walking Habit: 5 Reasons It's a Healthy Exercise for Every Day

Here in the Philippines, when someone says “namasyal”—from the root word “pasyal,” or to spend some leisure time outside of the home—they often mean that one went to the shopping mall. For me, walking outside does not have to be in an air-conditioned space. I think I’m not alone when I enjoy being in the jogging parks and children’s gardens that have become more available since the pandemic.

So, what I propose, from what I have seen in Bonifacio Global City and Makati (two walkable cities in Metro Manila), is that more people can try spending some leisure time walking in the city and discovering the green spaces that are being developed nowadays. Be it a stroll for exercise, a family bonding activity, or walking the dog, taking those steps outside can be very good—here are some reasons off the top of my head.

1. Walking is very good exercise. Muscles gain strength when you use them, so the more active the lifestyle, the better for muscle tone as you age. Walking is one of those activities that many people would like to be doing well into their senior years, so I think it’s common sense to be walking daily (“at least 30 minutes a day or more on most days of the week,” according to this article from The Better Health Channel).

2. Walking outside keeps you on your toes. It’s an activity that requires you to be alert and actively looking around you, so you don’t miss a step or bump into other people. Crossing the street means you have to be looking at the oncoming traffic and be aware of the movement of vehicles. Being aware of what’s happening around you is a great way to keep the mind in good shape!

3. Walking can help spark creativity in the arts and sciences. There are many things to see outside that can inspire a person artistically—I’ve often found a story, a poem, or something to draw while walking. I’ve seen my children grow more interested in insects, birds, and stars—all from our walking adventures. I’m learning with them as well, because their questions have gotten me to look up the answers if I didn’t know them. But don’t take my word for it—here’s a Stanford study that found the same conclusion.

4. Walking can bring about the solution you need. Related to creativity is finding the solution to one’s problems. According to this article, Steve Jobs used to solve his problems by taking a walk with his colleagues. In doing so, the article goes, “the late Apple boss intuited something that neuroscience is now proving—walking makes your brain work a little bit better, helping you crack problems that stumped you while sitting.”

5. Walking (and enjoying it) can help improve and increase the green spaces that we have. Reading this opinion piece from The Manila Bulletin has gotten me to think that maybe even a little bit of citizen action can do the trick. (Much like asking a bookstore for a certain book they don't carry, then after a few weeks, you'll find they have stocked it!) If more of us can show city developers that, yes, we appreciate the green spaces that they develop, there just might be more of them to be explored and enjoyed in the future.

"Walking is one of those activities that many people would like to be doing well into their senior years."