9 Reasons that Walking is Magic for Moms with 99 Walks

Today’s guest post is from our friends at 99 Walks; 99 Walks is a monthly walking challenge that inspires you to get up, get moving and crush your walking goals. They will welcome you into their supportive community, provide inspiration and encouragement, and reward you with your choice of gorgeous, wearable inspiration. We love the idea of 99 Walks being a place new moms can connect with each other, move their body, and feel good about themselves! 

Ever look at one of those moms and wonder how she keeps it all together? I’m talking mascara on the drop off-line and what can only be her pre-baby jeans?

Yeah. Us too. But here’s what we know for sure – no one has it completely together. No one. Because mommin’ is hard and mommin’ can be lonely and we all need to prioritize ourselves at least a little bit. So we’re walking.

Why? Because walking takes no special gear, no special place, no special time and the health benefits are literally amazing. Here are nine of our favorite reasons:

1. Walking can improve your mood. Many studies have shown a link between walking for exercise and improved mood and lower stress. Walking in nature can amplify these benefits.
2. Walking can reduce your blood pressure. A study in Korea showed decreased blood pressure when subjects walked 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
3. Walking will help you lose weight. Walking burns more calories, but it can also help offset genetic tendencies towards obesity. According to a Harvard study, one hour of walking a day can reduce these influences by half.
4. Walking can help fight cancer. Another Harvard study showed that women who walked just 1 to 3 hours per week reduced their risk of death from breast and uterine cancers by 19%. 
5. Walking is good for your bones. A Nurse’s Health study showed that women who walk 4 hours or more a week saw a 40% reduction in hip fractures.
6. Walking is good for your heart. Walking 30 minutes a day at a medium pace can reduce a woman’s risk of heart disease by 40% per a Harvard Study.
7. Walking can help you sleep better. Walking outdoors, especially in the morning, can help your body get in tune with our natural daily rhythms. The activity and daylight can set your internal clock and help you fall asleep faster and sleep better that night.
8. Walking helps your brain. Walking results in a 50% reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to research from Rush University.
9. Walking helps you solve problems. Walking calms your nerves and your brain, allowing you to think more creatively and solve problems. Since walking occupies some of your brain, it productively distracts the jumpy part, while allowing the creative part to do its thing. Stuck on a problem? Go for a walk.

But sometimes moms need a little extra motivation to get up, get together, and get going, and that’s why we’ve fallen in love with 99 Walks. Their monthly walking challenges are designed to get moms moving together, and at the end of the month, 99 Walks rewards you with gorgeous, inspirational jewelry. Join the September challenge at 99walks.fit