Is brisk walking worth it?
Step forward with your fitness – walking is a go-to low impact exercise for everyone
Let’s be clear: the health benefits from getting out for a regular walk have been reported time and again. In fact, walking is one of the most popular recommendations when it’s time to re-introduce exercise into your lifestyle after injury. However, with intangible immediate benefits, it can feel as though taking a regular walk doesn’t really make a difference at all. The truth is that studies continue to back walking as an excellent low-impact activity that contributes to your overall health. It’s a free, social, flexible form of exercise that requires minimal equipment. Mobility is essential for reducing pain and inflammation in your joints. In fact, if you have knee, ankle or back problems, brisk walking every other day helps keep you mobile.
How it benefits your health
Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day improves your heart and lung fitness, reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke, plus helps you manage conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, joint pain and stiffness. It also contributes to increased muscle strength and endurance, stronger bones and overall balance. If you up the ante and walk briskly for 60 minutes a day, it can also decrease your risk of cancer. Plus, as with most physical exercise, it helps boost your mood and alleviate depression. Brisk walking is when you walk at speed to carry a conversation, but unable to sing along to your headphones. Heading out at this pace will help your body benefit from the positive health impacts from walking; and therefore, support you to manage your fitness and wellbeing.
How to incorporate walking into your life
Brisk walking can be a flexible addition to your lifestyle. In fact, anyone can benefit from walking! From a marathon runner or cyclist recovering from an injury, to the most unfit, elderly or even overweight individual. Here’s how you can incorporate walking into your own schedule:
Alight at an early train station or bus stop on your commute home so you squeeze in a 30-minute walk to your house.
Meet a mate for an exercise walk instead of a sit-down lunch. Or, switch a sit-down meeting at work for one where you can walk and talk.
Walk to your local shops instead of driving.
Choose the stairs instead of the lift next time you’re in the office, at the train station, multi-level car park, or shopping centre.
Walk whilst you listen to your latest podcast episode or audiobook chapter.
Join a hiking or bushwalking group to add walking into your
Before commencing any exercise program, you should consult your GP or other health care professional. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or if you feel faint, please stop exercising immediately. Call 000 if symptoms persist or you start to deteriorate.
Learn More
At Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic, we put you first. We believe in offering chiropractic care that enables you to make informed and educated choices about your health. If you are suffering pain and would like to talk to us about how we can help you get mobile and active again – get in touch right here.