Walking has long been recognized as a beneficial form of exercise that is simple and accessible to many individuals, with numerous studies highlighting its positive health impacts. Research indicates that achieving a minimum of 2,300 steps per day can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality, as reported in a 2023 issue of the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Furthermore, weight-bearing activities like walking can help prevent osteoporosis, according to findings published in Nature Scientific Reports.
Despite the health benefits associated with walking, some health and fitness experts argue that while it is advantageous, it may not qualify as high-quality exercise. Melissa Boyd, a certified personal trainer and coach at Tempo, an online training platform in San Francisco, emphasizes the importance of understanding the three essential forms of movement necessary for overall well-being.
Boyd categorizes these movements as follows: daily essential movements that the body requires, such as walking, stretching, and bending; athletic movements performed a few times a week to enhance fitness or train for a specific sport; and social movements, which are enjoyable activities that foster social connections, like dancing or group sports.
Recognizing the significance of incorporating diverse movement patterns into daily routines, Boyd stresses that sedentary lifestyles have normalized a lack of movement, leading many individuals to experience a deficit in physical activity. While walking is beneficial, it represents just one type of movement, and our bodies necessitate a variety of movements to achieve functional fitness.
