PODCAST · health
Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained
by 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.
Episodes
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Sitting All Day? How Walking Breaks Help Counter Sedentary Behavior
Send us Fan Mail We know walking is good for us, but what happens when we spend most of the day sitting? In this episode, we explore the science of sedentary behavior and how prolonged sitting affects our bodies. Discover what research reveals about short walking breaks, blood sugar, circulation,...
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6 New Research Findings About Walking That Are Worth Knowing in 2026
Send us Fan Mail What’s new in walking research? In this episode we explore six recent research findings on daily step counts, walking patterns, sedentary time, green spaces, healthy aging, and the surprising effects of setting walking goals. Discover what scientists are learning, what the…
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Walking Through Midlife
Send us Fan Mail Midlife often brings change. Whether it's menopause, an empty nest, a career transition, caring for aging parents, or simply wondering what comes next, this season of life can feel both exciting and uncertain. In this episode we explore how walking can help us navigate life's...
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How Long Does A Walk Need To Be?
Send us Fan Mail Is a 10-minute walk around the block worth your time? Do you need 30 or 40 minutes to see benefits? And what happens when a walk becomes an adventure—or even a journey? In this episode we explore the many purposes of walking, from the quick "exercise snack" that helps reset your...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Walking and Foot Care
Send us Fan Mail Foot pain is one of the biggest reasons people stop walking - but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we break down the most common causes of foot discomfort and how to fix them so you can walk consistently and comfortably. Link to sources used in this episode Check out...
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Walking Results: What Actually Happens When You Walk Consistently
Send us Fan Mail What results can you actually expect from walking? From weight loss to mental health to long-term longevity, this episode breaks down what really happens when you walk consistently — and why most people quit too early. Link to sources used in this episode Check out...
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The Perfect Walking Routine: Build Consistency, Build Confidence
Send us Fan Mail If confidence gets you out the door, structure is what gets you results. In this episode, we break down a simple, science-backed walking routine — how long to walk, how often, and how to make it stick. Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health CDC: Getting Started with...
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Are You a Confident Walker? (The Science Behind Consistency)
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we explore what it really means to be a confident walker—and why confidence may matter more than motivation when it comes to staying consistent. Learn how belief in your ability to walk regularly can shape your…
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Walking and Menopause — What the Science Says
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we explore how walking can support your body during menopause. Backed by research, we break down how regular walking may help improve heart health, manage weight changes, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing...
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Are You Walking Correctly? A Masterclass on Walking Form
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we break down the fundamentals of proper walking form. Learn how posture, stride length, arm swing, and pace all impact how efficiently you move—and how small adjustments can help reduce strain, prevent injury, and…
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The Science of Walking: A Conversation with a Kinesiologist
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the science of walking with a kinesiologist who studies human movement. We discuss what happens in the body when we walk, how walking improves health, common mistakes people make, and how to build a walking routine that lasts a lifetime. Check out...
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Becoming a Consistent Walker: The Habit That Can Change Your Health
Send us Fan Mail Become a more consistent walker with simple, research-backed strategies that make daily movement sustainable. In this episode, we explore what science and physicians say about building walking habits that support long-term heart health and longevity. 🚶🏽♀️🫀 Sources...
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What a Cardiologist from 'Walk With a Doc' Wants You to Know About Walking and Your Heart
Send us Fan Mail Walking isn’t just exercise — it’s prevention. In this powerful conversation on walking as real heart medicine, Dr. Yuvraj Chowdhury, an interventional cardiologist explains how simple, consistent walking supports prevention, circulation, and long-term heart health. Check out...
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Walking, Cholesterol & Artery Health: How Your Steps Protect Your Heart
Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we explore how regular walking supports cholesterol levels, artery health, and long-term cardiovascular protection. Link to sources used in this episode Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a...
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Walking and Blood Pressure: Why Your Steps Matter for Your Heart
Send us Fan Mail High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease — but walking may be one of the simplest and most effective tools to help manage it. In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we break down what blood pressure really is, why it’s...
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How much walking is enough to support heart health — and can walking really help you live longer?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we explore what research says about step counts, cardiovascular protection, and longevity. From the powerful benefits of 7,000 steps per day to studies showing that even 10 minutes of walking can reduce early death...
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Walking and Heart Health
Send us Fan Mail Why Walking Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Heart Walking is often overlooked as “real” exercise — but science tells a very different story. In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we break down why walking is one of the most powerful,...
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Walking for Energy: How to Beat Afternoon Slumps with Movement + Nutrition
Send us Fan Mail That mid-afternoon energy crash isn’t laziness — it’s biology. In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we break down why energy dips happen and how short walks and smart nutrition choices work together to restore focus, mood, and stamina. You’ll learn why...
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Walking After Meals: The 10-Minute Habit That Changes Your Metabolism
Send us Fan Mail Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained Walking After Meals: The 10-Minute Habit That Changes Your Metabolism What you do after you eat matters more than you think. In this episode, we explore the science behind walking after meals—and how just 10 minutes of gentle movement…
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Walking for Weight Loss
Send us Fan Mail Can walking really help you lose weight? The science says yes — especially when it’s paired with smart, sustainable nutrition. In this episode of we break down exactly how walking supports weight loss, what kind of walking works best, and how your food choices can either support…
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Nutrition for Walkers: Fueling Your Walk
Send us Fan Mail Walking is one of the most powerful habits you can build for your health — but how you fuel your body can make or break your consistency, energy, and recovery. In this New Year episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we dive into the science-backed nutrition...
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Walking's Core Benefits
Send us Fan Mail Walking shows up again and again in health research—and for good reason. In this episode, we zoom out and connect the dots across past episodes to explore the overlapping, science-backed benefits of walking for stress, metabolism, joint health, brain function, longevity and more....
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Bundle Up & Keep Stepping: How to Keep Your Walking Habit Going in Very Cold Weather
Send us Fan Mail Cold weather doesn’t have to end your walking routine. In this episode, we explore how to keep your walking habit going even in very cold weather — safely, comfortably, and with a little joy. You’ll learn: What science says about walking in cold temperatures How to dress properly...
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From 6-6-6 to 12-3-30: Which Walking Trends Are Worth Your Time?
Send us Fan Mail This episode is your walking masterclass. I break down the top walking methods — the viral ones, the science-backed ones, and the ones that have quietly been helping people get healthier for decades — whether you're a total beginner, getting back into your routine, or leveling up...
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The Top 5 Ways to Incorporate Walking into Daily Life
Send us Fan Mail Discover five science-backed strategies to make walking a natural part of your everyday routine. From habit stacking and active commutes to walking meetings and movement “snacks,” this episode breaks down practical, sustainable ways to move more—without needing extra time in your...
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Walking for Joint Health
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore how walking supports healthier joints—from reducing stiffness and improving mobility to protecting knees, hips, the spine, and ankles over time. Drawing on research from the Arthritis Foundation, CDC, major orthopedic groups, and clinical studies, we...
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Build More Strength with Every Walk
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I read two powerful articles that dig into how walking can be more than just cardio: “This Is How to Boost Your Walks to Build Muscle?” — where we explore what muscles walking actually works, why it’s more about endurance than bulk, and simple tweaks (like hills…
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Mindful Walking: Walking as Meditation
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I read an excerpt focused on the practice of mindful walking—learning how to slow down, tune in, and fully experience each step. We explore how mindful walking can reduce stress, improve focus, and deepen your connection with your body and surroundings. Whether...
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Trekking Poles 101: How to Use Them Effectively
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m diving into the article “How to Use Trekking Poles & Hiking Staffs” by REI Co-op. We’ll explore who benefits from walking with poles, how to choose the right length and style, and the best techniques for using them—whether you’re trekking rugged trails or...
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How Walking Keeps You Young: Lessons from the Blue Zones (Part Two)
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I continue reading from a review titled “The Multifaceted Benefits of Walking for Healthy Aging: From Blue Zones to Molecular Mechanisms," a "comprehensive summary of the extensive literature on the health benefits of walking in older adults." In Part One, we...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Tatyana Simms
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained have?
Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained currently has 66 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained about?
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...
How often does Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained release new episodes?
Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained has 66 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained?
You can listen to Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained?
Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained is created and hosted by Tatyana Simms.
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