Personally, I work out on the elliptical machine every morning and sweat lots. I definitely feel that I am getting an intense exercise in. During the day, I take our dog Jax on several walks. There is no sweating, deep breathing, heart pumping or any other sensations I feel while doing the elliptical. Therefore, the walking seems to be a pretty minimal type exercise and therefore perhaps not so “good” for from a health improvement standpoint.
Many of my patients, due to orthopedic issues, age and/or other reasons, answer “walking” when I query them about exercise. Although not as intense an exercise as running, biking, using aerobic equipment at the gym, rowing and other exercises, there are MANY health benefits of walking including:
Physical health benefits
- Weight management: Walking can help you lose weight and body fat.
- Heart health: Walking can strengthen your heart and lungs, and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Bone health: Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that can help slow bone loss and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
- Joint health: Walking can help ease joint pain and prevent arthritis.
- Immune system: Walking can help protect you from colds and the flu, and reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
Mental health benefits
- Stress reduction: Walking can help you de-stress and feel more relaxed.
- Mood improvement: Walking can release chemicals in your brain that make you feel happy, like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
- Energy boost: Walking can increase your energy levels and make you feel more alert and refreshed
So, please do not minimize the utility of walking as a way of helping you improve your health. Walking is VERY GOOD for all of us.
And one of the best walks is “Walking On Sunshine” Enjoy Katrina and The Waves.
