There is a persistent idea in our culture that exercise has to be hard to count. That unless you are sweating, tracking your heart rate, or grimacing at a spinning class, you probably haven't done enough. Walking — just walking — sits at the other end of the spectrum. It feels almost too ordinary to be exercise.

And that, rather surprisingly, is one of the most compelling things about it.

Walking is one of the most effective and accessible forms of exercise available. Regular walking reduces risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression; improves mood, sleep, and brain health; and you do not need to walk 10,000 steps to benefit — research shows meaningful gains begin well below that. The best walk is the one you will actually do.