Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained

Tatyana Simms

Walking seems simple — but the impact it has on your mind, body, and longevity is anything but. Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained explores evidence-based articles, expert insights, and wellness research to uncover why this everyday movement is one of the most powerful tools for better health. Whether you're on a stroll or just curious, this podcast brings you the facts, one step at a time from published articles set out to explore the science of walking.

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S2 · E9
Sunday · 50 min
Finding Your Way: A Conversation with Coach and Author Lea Appleton
Send us Fan Mail What if the most important journey isn't the one that takes you somewhere new, but the one that helps you find your way back to yourself? In this episode I sit down with coach, outdoor enthusiast, and author Lea Appleton to discuss the transformative power of walking. Lea is the author of Walking & Wayfinding: Create Your Own Mindful Practice, One Step at a Time, a book that explores how walking can help us navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and discover meaning in our everyday lives. Our conversation covers the inspiration behind her book, the concept of wayfinding, and why some of the most meaningful walks don't require a passport, a mountain summit, or even a destination. We also explore how walking can help us slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and cultivate a sense of wonder in a world that often moves too fast. Learn more about Lea Appleton: Website: https://www.wildwayfinding.com/ Book: Walking & Wayfinding: Create Your Own Mindful Practice, One Step at a Time Have a walking story to share? I'd love to hear it. Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S2 · E8
September 6 · 25 min
The Science Behind a September Walking Reset
Send us Fan Mail September has a unique feeling, doesn't it? The days are getting shorter, summer is winding down, routines are changing, and many of us feel an unexpected urge to start fresh. But why does September feel like a new beginning—even for those of us who haven't been in school for years? In this episode, we explore the science behind the September reset and why this time of year may be one of the best opportunities to start, restart, or refresh your walking routine. You'll learn how seasonal changes affect our bodies, including our sleep, energy levels, mood, and motivation. We'll also look at the psychology of fresh starts, why researchers believe certain times of year inspire us to pursue new goals, and how walking can help us navigate the transition from summer to fall. Whether you've been walking consistently, taken a break over the summer, or are looking for the motivation to take your very first walk, this episode will help you embrace the season and take the next step. In this episode: Why September feels like a fresh start The science of the "Fresh Start Effect" How changing daylight affects mood, sleep, and energy Why fall may be the ideal season for walking Simple ways to reset your walking routine this month A September Walking Reset Challenge you can start today As the seasons change, maybe your walking journey can change too. Lace up your shoes, step outside, and join me for a science-backed look at why September might be the perfect time to begin again. Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S2 · E7
August 30 · 30 min
My Walking Story: A Hike Along Old Jail Lane, Cape Cod
Send us Fan Mail Every week, I ask listeners to share their walking stories. This week, I'm sharing one of my own. Join me as I take you along Old Jail Lane in Cape Cod, Massachusetts—a hike that reminded me why walking is about so much more than exercise. Along the trail, I'll share what I saw, what I was thinking, and why this particular walk will stay with me long after it ended. This episode is also the beginning of something new. Inspired by the stories I've heard from walkers over the past year, I'm introducing a new subscription experience coming soon: short audio stories designed to be listened to while you walk. Think of them as companions for your next "exercise snack," the concept we discussed with registered dietitian Carol in last week's episode. Whether you're walking around the block, exploring a local trail, or dreaming about your next adventure, this episode is a reminder that every walker has a story—and every step matters. In this episode: My hike along Old Jail Lane in Cape Cod Why certain walks stay with us The power of walking stories A preview of an exciting new listener experience coming soon Have a walking story of your own? I'd love to hear it. Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S2 · E6
August 23 · 39 min
Nutrition Advice for Walkers from a Registered Dietitian - From First Steps to Menopause
Send us Fan Mail What should walkers eat to support their energy, health, and long-term goals? In this episode I sit down with registered dietitian Carol Nocella to discuss the science of nutrition, fueling your walks, healthy aging, and nutrition strategies for perimenopause and menopause. Carol also shares her personal walking story and how movement has influenced her own health journey. Connect with Carol pivotnutritioncoaching.com www.nourish.com hereandnowyoga.com @coachcarolrd Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S2 · E5
August 16 · 23 min
Is It Possible to Walk Too Much?
Send us Fan Mail Can you walk too much? If walking is one of the healthiest things we can do, is there ever a point where more isn't better? In this episode, we're exploring what happens when walking goes from beneficial to potentially problematic. We'll discuss the difference between challenging yourself and overdoing it, the warning signs that your body may need more recovery, and why there is no magic number of steps that's "too much" for everyone and we'll play a game called Too Much or Totally Fine? You'll hear real-life walking scenarios and have a chance to decide whether the walker is pushing too hard or doing just fine. You'll learn: 🚶 Why high step counts aren't automatically a problem 🦶 The most common walking-related overuse injuries ⚠️ Warning signs that you may be doing too much too soon 💤 Why recovery is an essential part of any walking routine 🎯 How to find the sweet spot between challenging yourself and staying healthy Whether you're just getting started or you're regularly logging thousands of steps a day, this episode will help you build a walking routine that's sustainable, enjoyable, and supportive of your long-term health. Link to Sources used in this episode Connect with Why Walking Matters: Website: https://whywalkingmatters.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_walking_matters Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S2 · E4
August 9 · 32 min
Walking Is Everywhere: Festivals, Parades, and Other Surprising Ways to Move More
Send us Fan Mail Walking doesn't have to mean laps around the neighborhood or another session on the treadmill. In this episode we're exploring the many surprising ways people walk around the world—and why some of the best walking experiences happen when exercise isn't the goal at all. Inspired by my experience attending the inaugural Jamaican Day Parade in Brooklyn, we'll look at how parades, festivals, open-streets events, and community traditions create opportunities to move more while celebrating culture, connecting with others, and having fun. You'll discover: 🚶 Why walking often feels easier when it's part of a meaningful experience 🎉 How events like NYC Summer Streets transform city streets into giant playgrounds for walkers 🌎 The incredible story of Bogotá's Ciclovía, which closes miles of roads to cars every week and welcomes millions of people each year 🏅 The Dutch walking tradition that gets hundreds of thousands of people walking together every year 🤝 Why social connection, culture, and community can be powerful motivators for movement Whether you're looking for new ways to stay active or simply want to rethink what "counts" as a walk, this episode will inspire you to find movement in places you may have never considered. Because sometimes the best walk isn't the one you planned—it's the one that happens while you're busy living life. Sources NYC Summer Streets https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/summerstreets.shtml Bogotá Ciclovía https://elpais.com/america-colombia/2024-12-08/cincuenta-anos-de-la-ciclovia-de-bogota-ese-dia-fue-una-ruptura-en-el-imaginario-de-la-ciudad.html Avond4Daagse (Netherlands) https://www.avond4daagse.nl/over-ons/ Exercise Motivation and Adherence Review (Teixeira et al., 2012) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22726453/ Connect with Why Walking Matters: Website: https://whywalkingmatters.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_walking_matters Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S2 · E3
August 2 · 22 min
Why a Walk by the Water Feels Different
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we explore the growing science of blue spaces—environments where water is a prominent feature—and what researchers have discovered about their effects on mood, stress, attention, and overall well-being. You'll learn why a waterfront walk may feel more restorative than a walk through a busy urban environment, how water captures our attention in unique ways, and what studies reveal about the mental health benefits of spending time near rivers, lakes, beaches, and other waterways. We'll also discuss practical ways to incorporate blue-space walks into your routine and how combining walking near water with mindful walking can create an even more enriching experience. Whether you're fortunate enough to live near the coast or simply have access to a local pond, stream, or riverwalk, this episode may inspire you to seek out a little more blue space on your next walk. Sources Physical and Mental Health Effects of Repeated Short Walks in a Blue Space Environment: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120307076 A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Blue Space and Health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32971082/ The Neighborhood Effect of Exposure to Blue Space on Elderly Individuals' Mental Health: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1353829220301301 Connect with Why Walking Matters: Website: https://whywalkingmatters.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_walking_matters Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S2 · E2
July 26 · 22 min
The Science of Walking to Music
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we explore the fascinating connection between music and movement. You'll learn what researchers have discovered about how music can influence walking pace, motivation, enjoyment, and even how difficult a walk feels. Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S2 · E1
July 19 · 48 min
Music, Walking and Conversation (Anniversary Episode)
Send us Fan Mail One year ago, I launched Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained with a simple goal: to explore the science behind one of the most accessible and powerful things we can do for our health—walking. For this special anniversary episode, I'm doing something a little different. I'm combining two of my favorite things: walking and music. You'll hear a few songs that have inspired me over the years and the lessons they hold about resilience, gratitude, second chances, and embracing life's journey. You'll also hear from four incredible women from my hiking group as we walk and talk on the trail about what walking and hiking mean to them, how movement has shaped their lives, and what they would say to someone who is thinking about taking that first step. Along the way, you'll hear the sounds of nature (and traffic), the rhythm of the trail, and the stories that remind us that walking is about so much more than exercise. Thank you for listening, sharing, and walking with me over the past year. Here's to many more miles ahead. 🎧 Happy Anniversary and thank you for being part of the journey. Connect with Why Walking Matters: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_walking_matters YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpK3sJhC-AoJouNfQ45NekV1R_nw6k4wd Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E54
July 12 · 20 min
Walking at Every Pace: Why Health Doesn't Have a Size Requirement
Send us Fan Mail What if you stopped waiting until you were fitter, lighter, faster, or more confident to start walking? In this episode we explore an important truth: walking is for every body and every pace. Whether you're just beginning your fitness journey, returning after a long break, recovering from an injury, carrying extra weight, or simply trying to become more active, the science shows that meaningful health benefits begin long before you reach your goals. You'll learn what research says about walking and health, why the scale doesn't tell the whole story, and how even short walks can improve your mood, sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being. Most importantly, this episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they needed to get healthier before they could start walking. The reality is just the opposite: walking isn't the reward for getting healthier—it's one of the ways we get healthier. If you've been waiting for the perfect time, the perfect plan, or the perfect version of yourself, this episode is your invitation to start where you are and take the first step. Link to sources used in this episode Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E53
July 5 · 37 min
A Walking Story: Walking the Camino with José Andrés
Send us Fan Mail What happens when one of the world's most celebrated chefs sets out on one of the world's most famous walking journeys? In this episode, I read an inspiring article from Outside magazine in which chef, humanitarian, and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés reflects on his experience walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. More than just a long-distance walk, the Camino has inspired millions of pilgrims, travelers, and walkers seeking adventure, reflection, connection, and personal growth. Through Andrés' observations and storytelling, we explore the unique power of walking to bring people together, foster gratitude, and help us see both ourselves and the world in a new way. Whether you've dreamed of walking the Camino yourself or simply enjoy hearing stories about the transformative power of walking, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the most iconic walking routes on Earth. Article discussed in this episode: José Andrés on Why the Camino de Santiago Is a Walk Everyone Should Take https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/essays/jose-andres-camino-de-santiago-walk-spain/ Follow Why Walking Matters: Instagram: @why_walking_matters YouTube: Why Walking Matters Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E52
June 28 · 34 min
Top Walking Vacations
Send us Fan Mail What if your next vacation was built around walking? In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we're taking a journey around the world to explore some of the most incredible walking vacations on the planet. Whether you're dreaming about your next adventure or simply curious about the growing world of walking vacations, this episode will inspire you to see the world one step at a time. Where would your dream walking vacation take you? Follow Why Walking Matters: Instagram: @why_walking_matters YouTube: Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained Link to sources used in this episode Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E51
June 20 · 35 min
Walkability and Health: The Changing Lanes Story with Filmmaker Ben Wolf
Send us Fan Mail What if one of the most important factors affecting our health isn't how much we walk—but whether our communities make walking possible in the first place? In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Ben Wolf, director of the documentary Changing Lanes. The film follows a grassroots movement in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, after a beloved teacher is killed in a hit-and-run crash on a notoriously dangerous roadway. What begins as a local fight for safer streets evolves into a larger conversation about transportation, public health, community advocacy, and the concept of walkability. Together, we explore how street design influences walking behavior, why walkability should be considered a health variable, and what communities can do to create safer environments for people of all ages and abilities. Learn more about Changing Lanes and filmmaker Ben Wolf. Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E50
June 14 · 21 min
Stretching After a Walk: Does It Really Matter?
Send us Fan Mail In our last episode, we explored the benefits of adding strength training after a walk. This week, we're shifting our focus to another popular post-walk activity: stretching. Should you stretch after a walk? Can stretching prevent soreness? Does it improve flexibility? And what does the science actually say? In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we dive into the evidence behind post-walk stretching, separating fact from fiction. You'll learn what stretching can and can't do, why flexibility and mobility matter as we age, and which stretches are commonly recommended for walkers. Whether you're a casual neighborhood walker, a dedicated daily walker, or someone training for longer hikes, this episode will help you decide whether stretching deserves a place in your post-walk routine. In this episode, you'll learn: The proven health benefits of walking What happens to your muscles and joints during a walk Why stretching doesn't necessarily prevent soreness The benefits of maintaining flexibility and mobility Five simple stretches commonly recommended for walkers How much stretching is enough Because walking gets you moving—but staying mobile helps keep you moving for life. Links to sources used in this episode: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8133317/#abstract1 https://www.womenagingbetter.com/fitnessandfun/how-important-is-stretching-after-walking https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/the-importance-of-stretching https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/stretching-basics-for-walking https://www.pbs.org/americaswalking/health/health3minute.html https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931 Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E49
June 7 · 29 min
The Perfect Pair: The Best Strength Training Exercises After a Walk
Send us Fan Mail You've finished your walk. Now what? Many people head straight for the couch, but science suggests that spending just 10–15 minutes on a few simple strength exercises after your walk can improve muscle strength, bone health, balance, metabolism, and healthy aging. Today we're exploring the best strength training exercises to do after a walk and why this combination may be one of the most effective fitness habits you can build. Link to sources used in this episode Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E48
May 31 · 31 min
Walking Your Soul Story: How Confidence Is Built One Step at a Time with Dr. Sandra Hamilton
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I sit down with Dr. Sandra Hamilton, Confidence Builder and Rapid Transformational Therapist, at the site of her retreat in Portland, Jamaica to discuss her transformational retreats, where she helps people uncover the stories that shape their lives, break through limiting beliefs, and create lasting change. Dr. Hamilton also shares her own walking journey and how it has supported her physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Join us as we discuss the healing power of movement, the importance of self-discovery, and how confidence is often built through the small steps we take every day. Link to connect with or learn more about Dr. Sandra Hamilton Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E47
May 24 · 31 min
From Walking to Hiking: How to Make the Leap Successfully
Send us Fan Mail Thinking about trying hiking but not sure how to make the transition from regular walking? In this episode of Why Walking Matters, we break down the step-by-step evolution from walker to hiker. Learn how your body adapts to trails, what beginners should expect physically and mentally, common mistakes to avoid, how to choose beginner-friendly hikes, and practical tips to build confidence safely. If hiking has ever felt intimidating, this episode will help make it feel possible. Link to sources used in this episode Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E46
May 17 · 28 min
Walking, Aging & Bone Strength
Send us Fan Mail Can walking actually strengthen your bones? In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we explore the science behind walking and bone health. Learn how walking helps maintain bone density, why weight-bearing movement matters as we age, and how regular walking may reduce fracture risk and support long-term mobility and independence. We also discuss osteoporosis, fall prevention, aging, and why simple daily movement can have powerful long-term effects on the body. Links to sources used in this episode: American Journal of Medicine (1994) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8304358 ScienceDirect full article page: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0002934394901112 Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy (2005) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16386172 NCBI review page: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK71937/ Age and Ageing Journal https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9271287/ Scientific Reports (2025) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-29673-0 https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/the-best-exercises-for-your-bones https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2047/ https://howardluksmd.substack.com/p/your-bones-are-far-more-complicated?fbclid=IwdGRjcAR2mRFjbGNrBHaBzmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHv81ob7JXyxuzoZti77Bgt_XnltSc09CXkoIjeQ7ZRgLFKUKpAxCAO-90uAE_aem_MnunUjOfk07dTDaPdqoGpg&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e232_tv2_tp1_a1demo0jrcmyow Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E45
May 10 · 23 min
Walking Matters Beyond Fitness
Send us Fan Mail Most episodes of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained focus on research and the science behind walking. But this episode is different. Today, we explore a powerful coming-of-age story set on the Appalachian Trail — a story about uncertainty, growth, identity, and the unexpected ways walking can change us. Because sometimes walking isn’t just exercise. Sometimes it becomes reflection, transition, and transformation. In this episode, I read and reflect on Coming of Age on the Appalachian Trail from Backpacker Magazine. Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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S1 · E44
May 3 · 23 min
Why Walking Beats Most Workouts
Send us Fan Mail Most workouts fail because they rely on intensity instead of sustainability. In this episode, we break down why walking may be more effective than most forms of exercise — including running — when it comes to long-term results. Link to sources used in this episode Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: Kaydoscope@gmail.com to share topics you'd like to learn about.
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