[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/08\/walk-pittsburgh\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/08\/walk-pittsburgh\/","headline":"6 Benefits of Walking More in Pittsburgh","name":"6 Benefits of Walking More in Pittsburgh","description":"Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your overall health.  We've got six benefits of walking to get you moving. ","datePublished":"2016-08-01","dateModified":"2021-04-01","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/walk-pittsburgh.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/walk-pittsburgh.jpg","height":325,"width":755},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/08\/walk-pittsburgh\/","about":["Fitness","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":476,"keywords":["Benefits of Walking","fitness","Walk Pittsburgh","walking"],"articleBody":"Looking to boost metabolism, improve heart health, and maximize energy levels?It’s easier than you think \u2014 try walking more frequently.Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your overall health. It can boost heart rate, strengthen your heart, and improve blood circulation. Plus, walking on a regular basis can better help your lungs take in oxygen, lower blood pressure, reduce body fat, and lower cholesterol levels.6 Health Benefits of WalkingWeight management. Taking a daily walk can help to successfully maintain weight.Disease prevention and management.\u00a0People who are physically active lower their risk against chronic conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.Improved bone and muscle strength. Weight-bearing activity such as walking can help build bone and muscle strength.Mood boost. Taking regular walks has added mental health benefits including lowering stress levels and decreasing depression.Balance and Coordination Improvements. Walking regularly can improve your mobility by building lower body strength.Dementia Prevention. Regular walking can reduce the risk of dementia by improving brain function.As with any physical activity, walking faster, further, and more frequently will increase your health benefits. Always consult with your doctor before beginning a rigorous exercise plan.Walking 101Consider these factors when you’re walking outside:EquipmentShoes, walking poles, weights, a pedometer, clothing, sunscreen, and extra water might be a good idea for your walk.TerrainWalking on grass, gravel, or sand burns more calories than walking on pavement. Also, these terrains help better disperse shock, making walking easier on your joints. Walking up and down hills will promote stamina and strength, as well as work different muscle groups.Type of WalkingIncreasing your pace is a great way to make your walk more challenging. You can also try swinging your arms, changing your stride, or even walking backwards (which provides an especially effective workout).RELATED:\u00a05 Tips and Tricks to Prevent a Walking InjuryWalking More in PittsburghThere’s no shortage of places to walk in Pittsburgh.Take in the view along Mount Washington’s Grandview Avenue, enjoy the leafy scenery at Schenley Park, or head to the North Shore over the Roberto Clemente Bridge. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail runs 21 miles across the city’s vast waterfronts for a more long-distance trek.Need a little extra motivation? Ask friends and coworkers to join you on your walk. Better yet, join a walking group or club.Walk Pittsburgh is a local program\u00a0that helps you keep tabs on your walking progress. They’ll let you know how much CO2 you’re saving by trading in motorized transportation for a walk.Just download the Walk Pittsburgh app to instantly transform your smartphone into a pedometer. Plus, the app lets you take pictures of hazardous walking conditions. You can send these photos to the Walk Pittsburgh team to help improve the city’s overall walkability."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"6 Benefits of Walking More in Pittsburgh","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/08\/walk-pittsburgh\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]