Walking is a great exercise for everyone, and it’s as easy as going outside your door, according to experts.
“It’s something you can easily incorporate into your daily routine,” said James McDeavitt, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and executive vice president and dean of clinical affairs at Baylor College of Medicine.
Walking helps keep your heart healthy and makes you feel better mentally. McDeavitt added that it can help prevent osteoporosis by toughening up bones.
Walking is a wonderful entry point for someone looking to improve physical activity, since it involves less wear and tear on the joints than running, since it involves less wear and tear on the joints.
Walking is a good exercise option even for people with health problems that impair mobility. Indoor running tracks provide a safe environment, especially if someone has the company of a caregiver or loved one.
There is a greater risk of injury with treadmills and other automated cardio machines for those with severe mobility issues.
McDeavitt said people who have been inactive should start by walking five to 10 minutes a day and gradually increase that time.
To get the most out of walking, McDeavitt recommends walking at a low intensity for a longer duration.
McDeavitt said that walking at a faster pace can intensify a walk just as well as adding ankle or wrist weights, without the extra hassle.
McDeavitt said that walking shoes should have a stiff rubber or athletic sole and fit well with some wiggle room in the toe area.
People should purchase shoes with arch support and cushioning, as well as shoes that sit higher on the ankle if they need more stability for walking on uneven terrain.
McDeavitt said that people who notice rubbing, rubbing, or red spots should head to a running shoe shop. A person’s particular requirements are usually met by the pros there.
Mixing in other forms of exercise can provide added benefits to cross-training.
To strengthen your heart, try adding resistance and strength training with weights to strengthen your bones. For at least 30 minutes each, low-intensity exercises mixed with high-intensity exercises will allow you to get the most out of your physical routine and lead to overall better well-being.
The news release from the Baylor College of Medicine was released on April 14, 2024.