Walking is more than getting you from point A to point B

 

We all know how walking helps keep us healthy. But really what does walking really do for us. Do we need to walk a long time? Or is it ok to take short quick walks? Maybe a walk just to see the world around us?

We know that it is a good way to exercise our bodies. We know that it is recommended that we do it at least 30 minutes a day. But really what does it do for us. 

PHYSICAL benefits from walking 

Heart & Lungs: Improves cardiovascular fitness, lowers blood pressure, reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, and improves circulation.

Weight Management: Helps control weight, lose body fat, and boosts metabolism.

Disease Prevention: Lowers risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and osteoporosis.

Bones & Muscles: Strengthens bones, muscles, improves balance, coordination, and can ease joint pain.

Immune System: Boosts immune function, leading to fewer sick days during cold/flu season.

MENTAL benefits from walking 

Mood & Stress: Reduces stress, tension, and depression by releasing endorphins, improving mood and outlook.

Cognition: Improves memory, focus, alertness, and can lower the risk of dementia.

Sleep: Promotes better, more restful sleep.

Energy: Increases energy levels and stamina.

Seems can do more than just get you from point A to point B, but what style of walking is best for you? I have asked that very question myself. Let's go over some of the types of walking to see if you can find one or maybe a mixture of walking that fits your needs. 

Types of walking range from leisurely strolls to vigorous workouts, including fitness-focused styles like brisk walking, power walking, and Nordic walking (with poles) for exercise, to descriptive styles like strolling, sauntering, trudging, and strutting, and specialized techniques like race walking or interval walking, all serving different purposes from general health to mental well-being.

For Fitness & Exercise

Brisk Walking: A steady, faster pace for cardiovascular health.

Power Walking: Vigorous, faster than brisk, with exaggerated arm swings to burn more calories.

Nordic Walking: Uses poles for a full-body workout, engaging more muscles.

Interval Walking: Alternating between high-intensity bursts and recovery periods.

Hill Walking: Involves uphill terrain to build strength and burn calories.

Race Walking: A competitive sport with strict requirements.

Aqua Walking (Water Walking): Walking in water for low-impact resistance.

Descriptive & Leisurely Styles

Stroll/Amble/Saunter: Slow, relaxed walking, often without a specific destination.

Trudge/Plod: Heavy, slow walking, often when tired or through difficult terrain.

Stride/Strut: Confident, purposeful, or proud walking.

Tiptoe/Pussyfoot: Walking quietly on the balls of your feet.

Waddle/Totter/Stumble: Unsteady or unbalanced walking.

Specialized & Other Types

Chi Walking: Focuses on alignment and relaxation for efficiency.

Afghan Walking: Coordinated breathing and footsteps.

Marathon Walking: Long-distance endurance walking.

Ambient Walking: Unintentional steps as part of daily life.

HAPPY WALKING! Whatever type of walking you pick to do!