No gym membership, rigorous workouts or complicated techniques for you to follow, when you opt to make walking your regular exercise, all you need to do is just wear your shoes and find a local park or a spacious
arena. In fact, you can also find a quiet street or a footpath and get those steps.
In India, an ongoing trend has witnessed people choosing long and regular walks over heavy workouts and intense exercises in the gym. For these individuals, finishing their 10,000 steps and avoiding junk and high-calorie meals suffices for decent fitness
routine.
‘Walking is a movement, Not A Complete Workout’
According to Mitushi Ajmera, nutritionist and senior fitness master trainer, however, there is bound to be a natural distinction in terms of fitness standards among people who bank on their regular walks and those who opt for intense workouts.
“Walking is a movement and it should be considered so. It is not a complete workout,” insisted Ajmera, as quoted by NDTV Lifestyle. Ajmera emphasised why walking should not be considered a sufficient workout by those who do. While good for circulation, joints
and mental well-being, a walk can never provide the full-body benefits that a gym routine does.
“There is a saying, use it or lose it. So it is certainly better than being sedentary. But calling it a complete workout ignores how the human body actually adapts.”
When Walking Alone Can Be Beneficial
That is not to suggest, though, that a walking-only fitness routine is not beneficial at all. Especially for certain age brackets, including children and older adults. “Walking can be your only workout, particularly for beginners, older adults, or those returning
after a long break,” said Asad Hussain, exercise scientist and founder of ODDS Fitness.
“It supports cardiovascular health, improves circulation, aids weight management and reduces stress. Performed at moderate intensity and in sufficient weekly volume, it can meet the aerobic component of global physical activity guidelines.”
For people who have had recent injuries and are looking to gradually shed their sedentary lifestyle following the rehab, walking can be a good place to begin. “If you are just starting out or getting back into movement after a break, walking can absolutely
be enough,” said Yogesh Bhateja, Celebrity Fitness Coach.
By walking regularly, individuals can build stamina, experience a sense of refreshment and stress release. It also helps with the blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces cardiovascular risk.
