Walking is often touted as one of the most accessible forms of exercise, and for good reason. It’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine, requires minimal equipment, and can be a great way to get some fresh air and clear your mind. However, if walking is the only form of exercise you’re doing each week, you may be missing out on key benefits of other types of fitness.
What Walking Can and Can’t Do#
- Walking can help with weight management by burning calories and increasing metabolism.
- Walking can also help improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving blood flow.
- However, walking alone may not be enough to build strength, increase muscle mass, or support long-term health.
While walking is a great way to get some physical activity, it’s not enough to support strength, metabolism, and long-term health. In fact, experts say that incorporating other types of exercise into your routine can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.
Resistance Training: The Key to Strength and Long-Term Health#
Resistance training, also known as strength training, is a type of exercise that involves using weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight to build strength and muscle mass.
- Examples of resistance training include weightlifting, bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats, and resistance band exercises.
- Resistance training can help improve muscle mass, bone density, and overall strength, which can reduce the risk of injury and chronic diseases.
So, how often should you be doing resistance training? Experts recommend incorporating two to three days of resistance training into your routine each week.
“The general population should be performing some form of resistance training each week to prevent muscle mass loss, which contributes to a slower metabolism, lower bone density, less strength in daily activity, and faster aging,” says Bradee Felton, CPT, personal trainer and holistic health coach.
Additional Tips for a Well-Rounded Fitness Routine#
In addition to resistance training, there are other ways to support your overall fitness and well-being. Here are a few tips:
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be a great way to boost your metabolism and burn calories.
- Flexibility exercises like yoga or Pilates can help improve flexibility and balance.
- Core strengthening exercises like planks and side planks can help improve posture and stability.
By incorporating a variety of exercises into your routine, you can support your strength, metabolism, and long-term health. Remember, it’s not just about the exercise itself, but about how often you’re doing it.
| Exercise | Description |
|---|---|
| Weightlifting | A form of resistance training that involves using weights to build strength and muscle mass. |
| Bodyweight exercises | Exercises that use your own body weight as resistance, such as push-ups, squats, and lunges. |
| Resistance band exercises | Exercises that use resistance bands to provide resistance and challenge your muscles. |
Remember, the key to a well-rounded fitness routine is to mix it up and try new things. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Conclusion#
Walking is a great way to get some physical activity, but it’s not enough to support strength, metabolism, and long-term health.
