The Essential Exercise You Might Be Overlooking

There has been debate lately within some expert circles, that walking is not true exercise. That might be the case if you are a high performance athlete looking to optimize your fitness, but for the majority of us it's a great way to stay active.

Walking is often seen as a simple activity, but is a legitimate form of exercise with tremendous benefits. Here we are not talking about walking to the bathroom or the lunch room on your break. We are talking about intentional walking for walking’s sake that you have scheduled into your busy day.

Here are just a few reasons why (in my books) walking is exercise:

Cardiovascular Health

Walking, especially at a brisk pace, elevates the heart rate and improves circulation, making it an effective cardiovascular workout. Regular walking can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve overall heart health.

Calorie Burning and Weight Management

Walking burns calories and contributes to weight management. Studies show that walking after meals helps digestion and blood sugar control. 20-30 minutes of walking can help create a calorie deficit, aiding in weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.

Muscle Strength and Endurance

Walking engages multiple muscle groups, including those in the legs, core, and even arms if done with proper form or using poles. Over time, walking can build muscle strength, improve endurance, and enhance overall physical stamina.

Joint and Bone Health

Walking is a weight bearing exercise that helps maintain joint flexibility and promotes bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and joint-related issues. 

Mental Health, Well-being and Recovery

Walking has psychological benefits, such as reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It also releases endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers, making it a great exercise for improving mental well-being. Exercise is a natural movement that our bodies were made to do and is a perfect activity for recovery days.

Walking is a True Form of Exercise

Walking is more than just a basic activity; it is a valuable and accessible form of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. The inclusive nature of walking makes it easy to involve friends, family, or colleagues. Because it doesn’t require special equipment, scheduling, or preparation, it's a flexible activity that can be done spontaneously, making it easy to fit into different schedules and lifestyles. On top of all that, it is free! 

Looking for ways to level up your walks? Adding a weighted vest can also build bone density, increase muscle mass, burn more calories and improve balance and core strength. 

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