Whether you are feeling down or buzzing with energy, the best way to channel your energy is to go out for a walk. And the best part? You can go by yourself or tag along with some friends while burning those calories. It is a versatile activity that is great for keeping you fit and letting you enjoy the fresh wind outside.

Walking is regarded as the simplest yet most effective workout as it engages the whole body without extensive movement. It is also great for lowering stress levels as your body benefits from exercise and some fresh air. So, if you love walking, check out these fun facts about this fun activity.

1. The Longest Walk

A neon-sign salesman, Jean Béliveau, took on the challenge to walk through 64 countries. This has been recorded as the longest walk ever. It stretched over 46,000 miles and took some 11 years to complete.

Tobi/Pexels | Now, that’s some serious commitment

2. Walking Means Health

Brisk walking is often recommended to patients who suffer from heart diseases because it has the ability to reduce body fat, increase high-density lipoprotein, and lower blood pressure.

3. Racewalking in Olympics

You know about running at the Olympics but did you know about racewalking? It is a sport that is considered by some to be a hundred times harder than running. The judges take note of your posture and your performance throughout the distance, which usually varies anywhere from 1 to 95 miles.

Lukas Hartman/Pexels | Like racing but, you have to walk

4. The United States Doesn’t Like Walking

On average, it is recommended that you walk on a daily basis and take at least 10,000 steps while doing so. The average Australian is recorded to take 9,695 steps every day while an average Japanese person takes 7,168. However, when it comes to U.S. citizens, the average person takes only 5,117 steps a day.

5. You Can Walk Around The World in 347 Days

Didn’t understand? Check this out–our planet’s circumference is estimated to be around 25,000 miles and the average walking speed is 3 miles per hour or so. So, in theory, you can travel across the world in 347 days just by walking.

Lisa Fotios/Pexels | That sounds like a fun plan, doesn’t it?

These walking facts will definitely inspire you to plan your next walk.