Is Walking Enough? What Walking Does For Your Health - and What It Doesn't

Walking is one of the most accessible and beneficial forms of movement we have. But with all the current emphasis on strength training, lifting heavy and changing how we exercise as we age, many women are starting to wonder: Is walking actually enough? The answer depends on what you mean by “enough" and includes nuance and specifics. In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist Jessica Valant breaks down the benefits—and limitations—of walking and explains where it fits into a well-rounded exercise routine. You'll learn: The proven physical and mental health benefits of walking Whether you really need to get 10,000 steps a day The difference between treadmill and outside walking Whether walking can help maintain muscle and bone strength Where walking falls short when it comes to strength, muscle, power and healthy aging The difference between activity and structured workouts How walking fits alongside strength training, Pilates, cardio and mobility Jessica also explains why the question “Is walking enough?” may be the wrong question in the first place. Walking doesn't have to do everything to be incredibly valuable. For someone who has been sedentary, walking may be one of the best places to start. For someone focused on building muscle and strength, walking alone probably isn't enough. And for someone trying to create a sustainable exercise routine for long-term health, walking can be an important piece of the bigger picture. If you've ever wondered whether your daily walks really “count,” how many steps you need, or if you should be doing something more, this episode will help you understand exactly what walking can do for your body—and where you may want to fill in the gaps. Don't stop walking because someone told you it isn't enough. Understand what walking does well, keep the movement you love, and add what your body needs from there. Sponsors: ➡️ Get 50% off and free breakfast with code meetyourbody50off - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.factormeals.com/meetyourbody50off Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Three day free trial to UNLIMITED: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ 20 Minute Dumbbell Workout: https://youtu.be/zRayn_kDjZw ⚫︎ Weighted Vest Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000701897928 ⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ YouTube workouts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices