Why Walking Works
Without even looking like an exercise, walking produces the same physical fitness,
health and weight control benefits as high-intensity, high-impact exercises but without
the dangers and hazards. Compared with running (a high-intensity, high-impact
exercise), walking produces much less stress on the knee joints – your feet strike the
ground with only 1-1.5 times body weight when walking compared with 3-4 times
when running. Whereas running mainly builds muscles at the front of the thighs and
the back of the calves, walking builds the muscles of the entire leg. From a
biomechanical point of view, walking is the easiest and safest aerobic exercise.
Here are just some of the benefits you will gain from fitness walking:
Health benefits
• Improved heart health
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol – increases ‘good cholesterol’
• Strengthens bones – helps to prevent osteoporosis
• Reduces stress
• Improves mood and increases sense of well-being
through release of endorphins
Weight loss
• First class calorie burning – depletes fat, not muscle
• Metabolic rate increased 1- 4 hrs after walk,
assisting further weight loss
• May raise resting metabolism – assisting weight loss
• Successful long term weight maintenance
Fitness
• Increased cardiovascular conditioning
• Improved muscle tone and strength
Lifestyle
• Easiest and safest way for all the family to keep fit
• Easiest long term exercise
If you are unfit, pregnant, or have a diagnosed medical problem which will affect your
ability to exercise, you should check with your doctor before commencing with a
vigorous fitness walking program.
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