By Dylan Hansen
Exercise doesn’t have to consist of hours spent in the gym, expensive equipment, or intense workouts. While those forms of exercise carry value, one of the most effective forms of physical activity is walking. Walking requires little equipment, is joint-friendly, and provides benefits for overall well-being.
Cardiovascular Health Benefits
As walking speed increases, our heart rate rises and our body is challenged to respond to an increased demand for oxygen. If done regularly, this physiological response to increased activity may help to support cardiovascular health over time. Furthermore, walking is also easier to recover from than activities such as running and may be more realistic for individuals to perform consistently. Numerous studies support the idea that consistency is one of the most important factors for long-term health.
Joint Health and Mobility
It is unlikely that walking will “wear down” your joints. In fact, appropriately dosed movement is often beneficial for joint health. Walking encourages regular joint movement, helps maintain mobility, and may reduce feelings of stiffness that arise with prolonged sitting. Given how walking is a form of lower-impact exercise, it may make it more tolerable for individuals looking for a way to stay active while mitigating excessive stress on the body.
What is an Optimal Step Count?
Everyone has heard of “10,000 steps per day for optimal health,” but is that goal right for you? In 2024, The Mayo Clinic released an article to determine an individualized step count goal. First, determine how many steps you currently take throughout an average day. Next, try to add 1,000 extra steps a day every two weeks. A helpful way to get in more steps is to go for walks with a family member or friend.
Manage Your Health with a Customized Walking Plan
At Capital Area Physical Therapy in Queensbury, Saratoga, Malta and Delmar, our licensed physical therapists can help you manage your health by creating a walking plan designed to maximize cardiovascular health and joint mobility.
To schedule an appointment with our physical therapists in Queensbury, Saratoga Springs, Malta or Delmar, call 518-289-5242.
