If there’s been any sort of silver lining to the COVID pandemic, it may be what writer Samhita Mukhopadhyay calls “the walking revolution” that’s gripped the country over the last 18 months. According to Mukhopadhyay, a recent survey conducted by Rockport shoes found that 53% of US adults are walking 1-5 more miles per day now than they were pre-2020. With both physical and mental health benefits, walking is, as former CDC Commissioner Thomas Frieden has said, “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.” It’s a positive “addiction” that so many of us have taken up during the pandemic, and it’s one we need to continue and commit to. For more to convince you about the value of walking, check out our past agebuzz posts extolling its virtues.

In addition to being a terrific cardiovascular activity, it’s also apparent that walking should be considered a weight-bearing exercise that’s good for your bones (even if you walk without holding weights). With each step, your body is bearing your own weight, which is important for building up bone mass and density. So even if your daily walking path never reaches the 5-mile mark, you’re still strengthening your bones and muscles, improving your cardiorespiratory system, and getting your heart rate up, which should give both your body and brain a boost. And if you’re hoping to achieve some weight loss beyond these other health benefits? There are some small but important factors that can enhance your results, including adding an incline to your path (or treadmill), adding in a few short intervals of increased speed (maybe up your walking speed to a brisk pace for 45 seconds before you come back to your usual pace) and throw in some music to the mix to keep you motivated and moving. To find out more, grab your headphones and click here.

But as the weather has turned cooler and Fall has finally arrived, you made need a bit of extra preparation to keep you sufficiently warm and comfortable as you grapple with cooler weather walks. Of course, of primary importance are the clothes and accessories that accompany you on your walk. There’s a great recent article in Very Well Fit that gives you A to Z about everything you need to ensure a comfy Fall walk. Among the basic bits of advice? It’s all about the layers, and the fabric that wicks away moisture so you avoid the feeling of being cold and clammy. You’ll want a base layer of basics (surprisingly, polyester seems to be the fabric of choice) to be covered by an insulating layer and then topped with a wind and waterproof layer, made of a breathable fabric that allows moisture to evaporate. Other words of advice? Don’t wear jeans (you’ll be setting yourself up for some real discomfort and danger in the cold, especially if the weather turns wet). Keep your boots flexible with a good tread and insulated and water-resistant upper, and make sure your ears, neck, and fingers are also well protected (mittens are preferable to gloves). To find out more, determine your winter path and click here.

And if you’re in search of a winter walking path or destination, you might be surprised by the recent list published by Prevention. While you may have sauntered rural walking paths during the pandemic to keep you socially distant from crowds, this new list suggests you point your feet in the direction of urban settings, especially cities that are ideal for exploring by foot in the Fall. Whether you’re interested in New Orleans or New York City, foot travel may be your best (and healthiest) bet this fall. So grab your backpack and map, and find out more here.