Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Walking is a low-impact form of exercise. It can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, help with weight management, and improve mood and mental health. Walking can certainly count as exercise! While it may not be as intense as other forms of exercise like running or weightlifting, It is still a great way to get your body moving. The exercise also provides several health benefits.
Does Walking Count As A Form Of Exercise?
Yes, walking count as a form of exercise. Walking is a low-impact aerobic activity that can provide numerous health benefits. It has a number of benefits such as improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening muscles, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
The amount of exercise you get from walking depends on several factors, including your speed, distance, and frequency of walking. The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, per week.
So, if you walk regularly and at a brisk pace, it can be a beneficial form of exercise. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine.
Is Walking A Good Enough Workout?
Walking can be a good workout, depending on your fitness goals and current level of physical activity. Walking routine can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and burn calories.
If you’re new to exercise, brisk walking can be a great way to start. It’s easy to do, doesn’t require any special equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. Walking for just 30 minutes a day can have numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
However, if your goal is to build muscle or lose weight, walking alone may not be enough. To build muscle, you need to engage in resistance training exercises that challenge your muscles.
To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you consume. While walking can help with both of these goals, it may not be enough on its own.
Overall, walking is a physical activity that can improve your health and fitness, but it may not be sufficient for everyone’s goals. It’s important to talk to a doctor or a fitness professional to determine the best exercise plan for your individual needs.
How Many Calories Does Walking Burn?
The number of calories burned while walking depends on various factors, such as your body weight, walking speed, terrain, and duration of the walk. On average, a person can burn around 100-200 calories per mile walked, depending on their body weight and walking speed.
For instance, a person who weighs 150 pounds and walks at a moderate pace of 3.5 miles per hour can burn approximately 300-350 calories in an hour. However, it is essential to note that walking on a flat surface burns fewer calories than walking uphill or on an incline. Also, increasing your walking speed or distance can increase the number of calories you burn.
What Are The Benefits Of Walking?
Walking is a simple yet effective form of exercise that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the benefits of walking:
1. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Walking helps to increase heart rate, which in turn strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation. This reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
2. Helps In Weight Management
Walking is a low-impact exercise that burns calories, which helps to maintain a healthy weight.
3. Strengthens Bones and Muscles
Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps to strengthen bones and muscles. It reduces the risk of osteoporosis and improving balance and flexibility.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Regular walking can help to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension.
5. Reduces The Risk Of Chronic Diseases
Walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Improves Sleep
Walking can improve the quality and duration of sleep, reducing the risk of sleep disorders such as insomnia.
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7. Boosts Mood and Mental Health
Walking releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that boost mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also promotes the growth of new brain cells, which can improve cognitive function.
Overall, walking is a simple yet effective way to improve physical and mental health, and it can be easily incorporated into a daily routine.
