During the lockdowns I started walking/hiking more than I ever have on a regular basis. I found I could listen to podcasts and audio books as I walked and hiked in the local hills. My walks/hikes (let’s just call then walks) would alternate between walks and runs. it was great. I was outdoors, I was getting through my audios, and getting great exercise.
I loved the process so much I stopped doing it completely. Ugh, I hate it when that happens. I let life get in the way and I stopped working out, I am paying less attention to my diet, I am eating more sugar, and drinking alcohol more frequently.
It’s time to get back on track.
As I am thinking about getting started again, I have come across some videos about the benefits of walking for fitness. The idea of walking isn’t rockets science, but I have discovered some benefits that haven’t been obvious to me.
A couple f those benefits include:
- You can walk daily without need for recovery. After some of my runs I feel I need a few days to recover. Also, when resistance training, it’s easier to add the walk since it won’t interfere with leg day.
- Walking is low impact. I am over 215lbs and run primarily on sidewalks. this high impact takes it’s toll on my knees, hips, and back.
- Walking doesn’t conflict with muscle mass. Too much cardio can conflict with keeping lean muscle on your body. Walking enables me to keep a resistance training program and still get outdoors for some cardio benefits.
Also, I hear a common recommendation of 10,000 steps per day (roughly 5 miles). This article points to a study that recommends 15,000 steps (7 miles) of brisk walking.
Here are two videos I found to provide an intro to the benefits of walking for fitness:
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