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Walking has earned a reputation as a great form of exercise that is easy and accessible for many people. Numerous studies have shown the popular activity to have numerous health benefits. One study published in a 2023 edition of the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that getting at least 2,300 steps per day reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Another study published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports found that weight-bearing exercises such as walking help prevent osteoporosis.
While walking is certainly good for your health and fitness, some experts in the health and fitness fields argue that it is not high-quality exercise. Melissa Boyd, a certified personal trainer and coach, explains that walking is a baseline movement that your body requires to function well. It helps with circulation, digestion, and decompression.
To achieve overall health and fitness, it is important to incorporate different types of movement. Boyd categorizes these movements into three categories. The first is the movement your body requires every day, such as walking, stretching, and bending. The second is athletic movement, which can be done a few times a week to improve fitness or train for a sport. The third is social movement, such as dancing or playing volleyball, which is done for fun or to connect with others.
Dr. Carl Cirino, a sports medicine surgeon, emphasizes the importance of working and stretching the muscles and tendons in different directions to assist with the bending, twisting, and rotating that we do in our daily lives. Yoga and Pilates are two activities that are very effective and healthy in this regard. Stretching is also incredibly easy and can be done when you wake up and before you go to bed.
Incorporating daily movements, cardiovascular work, strength training, and