Why Is Walking Important?

You probably heard that you should walk at least 7,500 steps or even 10,000 steps a day. But, why? Walking is just walking. It’s not that hard. Are there long-term and sustainable benefits that one can get from just walking? 

There actually are! Because walking is easy, it is usually overlooked as a great type of exercise. 

So, what is walking? Is it a form of cardio?

Yes, walking is a form of cardio. Specifically, it is a form of low-intensity steady state cardio or LISS. Basically, it is exercising at a lower intensity or at a slower pace for longer intervals. This improves overall endurance and conditioning of the body. Because walking is a form of cardio, it will aid you in your fitness goals like losing fat or building endurance. 

So, why should we walk instead of doing other forms of cardio?

There are many benefits you can get from walking. 

#1 Everyone can do it, and it is free. You don’t need a gym membership to walk. You can walk indoors or outdoors.

#2 You can maintain a healthy weight and even lose weight. If you have no time to go to the gym for a few hours but still want to maintain your physique, going for a 20-minute walk daily will help (and eating an adequate amount of protein too). If you have a goal of losing weight, specifically fat, you need to be in a calorie deficit. Depending on your current daily calorie intake, it might not be feasible to slash your calories by 500. It might be more feasible to go on 30-minute walks daily. Because walking is a form of cardio, you will still burn calories. 

#3 Walking improves your cardiovascular fitness and strengthens your bones and muscles.

#4 It relieves stress from more intense workouts as well as increases energy levels and improves mood. 

Overall, walking is great for everyone! You receive sustainable long-term benefits and results. It improves your physical and mental health.