Is walking every day really enough exercise? Let’s keep it real, folks. If you’re asking this question, chances are you’re trying to justify your daily walks as a valid form of exercise. And hey, I get it. Walking is easy, free, and accessible to almost everyone.
But is it really enough to keep you healthy and fit?
A Physical Therapist, Dr. Eric, who has worked with countless patients struggling with this very question, says that the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
Let’s define ‘enough exercise?
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week for adults. So, if you’re wondering if walking every day for 30 minutes meets this recommendation, the answer is yes, it does.
But does that mean it’s enough for everyone? Not necessarily.
The benefits of walking every day
” Don’t get me wrong, walking is an excellent form of exercise. It’s low-impact, easy on your joints, and can improve your cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination.
” Plus, it’s a great way to clear your mind and get some fresh air. But let’s be real, walking every day won’t necessarily give you the same results as other forms of exercise,” Dr. Eric warns.
The importance of variety
Variety is key when it comes to exercise, Eric says; warning that doing the same thing every day can lead to boredom and plateauing.
“When you challenge your body in different ways, you’re more likely to see improvements in strength, endurance, and overall fitness.
“Walking is great, but it’s not the only form of exercise you should be doing. Incorporating strength training, high-intensity interval training, or other forms of cardio can help you reach your fitness goals faster,” a physical therapist, Simbiat Benson, adds.
The importance of intensity
Intensity is another factor to consider. Walking can be moderate-intensity exercise for some people, but for others, it may not be enough to get their heart rate up.
“If you’re not breaking a sweat or breathing harder than usual, you may need to up the intensity of your workouts to see results.
“That being said, it’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially if you’re just starting out,” Benson counsels.
If you’re looking to maintain your current level of fitness, walking every day is a great option. But if you want to improve your strength, or target specific health concerns, you may need to incorporate other forms of exercise into your routine
Personal experience
Says Dr. Eric, “As a physical therapist, I’ve worked with many patients who walk every day but still struggle with chronic pain, mobility issues, or weight management.” He says while walking is certainly better than being sedentary, it may not be enough to address specific health concerns.
“I’ve seen patients make significant progress by incorporating strength training, stretching, and other forms of exercise into their routine,” Benson says; adding, “Think of it this way: if you were trying to build a house, you wouldn’t just use one tool, would you? You’d need a variety of tools, each serving a different purpose. Exercise is the same way. Walking is a great tool, but it’s not the only one you need in your toolbox.”
So, is walking every day really enough exercise? The answer is… it depends.
If you’re looking to maintain your current level of fitness or just get some fresh air and clear your mind, then yes, walking every day is a great option. But if you’re looking to improve your strength, endurance, or target specific health concerns, you may need to incorporate other forms of exercise into your routine. Remember, variety is key, and intensity matters. Keep challenging yourself, listen to your body, and above all, have fun!
If this has helped in any way, please support me by up voting and following me for more!! it would mean the absolute world to me!!
