I stopped doing high impact workouts about 3-4 months ago when my knee pain was at it’s worst post half-marathon. Turns out I have a torn meniscus (all the manual tests are positive for torn meniscus, but the MRI was hard to read. It’s either a torn meniscus or showing the repaired previously torn meniscus… the MD couldn’t decipher) To err on the cautious side he gave me a cortisone shot and sent me to physical therapy to see if that could help alleviate the pain. I’m currently in physical therapy 3 x week and they are going pretty aggressive with the manual part of treatment. Anyways, long story short I am no longer running and have been finding the enjoyment in going for walks again. Luckily Quinn is back back in the likes the stroller phase (most of the time) and when it’s not raining we will take full advantage of walking as much as we can.
I think walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. I’m 100% guilty of judging walking as exercise too. For example, with my knee injury I hated being a “walker” at Orange Theory…like HATED. I felt like the runners were judging me for being lazy and I wanted to scream that I had an injury and that’s why I was walking…most certainly NOT because I was being lazy! My tune has changed significantly and find so much more enjoyment in walking and my body responds well to it too.
Walking and running are different workouts and it’s not fair to compare the two, so I just want to focus on discussing the benefits of walking. There are so many health benefits of walking for exercise, so today I figured I’d give you my top reasons why I find walking such a healthy form of exercise for me.
Walking is lower impact and can be done for longer periods of time. I can easily walk 5-6 miles and feel great. If I tried running 5-6 miles a day my body would hurt. Since walking is lower impact it’s more gentle on the body and I can walk longer distances, for longer periods of time, and it’s something I can do daily. Also since walking is low impact it keeps cortisol in check 😉
Alleviates depression, anxiety, and fatigue Have you ever finished a walk and been in a worse mood than when you started? Probably not. After a long walk I always feel like I have more energy and less anxiety. Walking is when my creative juices are flowing and I’ll typically return from a long walk with new ideas or motivation. Also walking with a friend can help boost my mood by feeling more connected. If you’re able to walk outside think of the vitamin D you’re absorbing…we’ve been missing that in Seattle the past few months.
A time to listen to a book or podcast When I go for walks I feel like I can multi task (unlike a run)…I can catch up with a friend on the phone, listen to a podcast and learn something new, or listen to an audible book.
It’s free and requires no equipment I often find myself thinking I have to take a class in order to get a workout in, but that’s just not true. As I’m getting older (and wiser) I’m learning that I don’t have to kill myself in a specific workout class to get a good workout. I tend spend way too much $$$ on classes a month and now that the weather is hopefully improving in Seattle I plan to be walking more for exercise.
Metabolism and bone and muscle health Walking is one of the best low-impact ways to increase metabolism by burning extra calories and can alter body composition. Walking also helps preserve muscle mass and keep bones strong as we age. Win win.
There is nothing magical about getting 10,000 steps (about 5 miles a day) but I love the goal of being less sedentary and finding more ways to walk and move your body. Our bodies were meant to move (not be sedentary) so walking is anti-aging! Like any other form of exercise it’s important to have the right gear (I walk in my Nike’s or Adidas shoes), wear sunscreen if you’re outside, hydrate, and stretch after. Keep your routine varied by mixing up your pace and adding in incline (this will give you an even better workout).
Any other proud “walkers” out there?!
xx, A
