We all know that leading a sedentary lifestyle can be detrimental to our health, but did you know that simply increasing your step count can have significant benefits? In this article, we'll explore how fast walking can help you live a longer and healthier life.
What is power walking?
Power walking is a form of exercise that involves walking at a pace that is faster than the average person’s walking speed. Power walking can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels, and it has a number of benefits.
One of the main benefits of power walking is that it can help you to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Power walking burns more calories than traditional walking, so it can be an effective way to shed some extra pounds. Additionally, power walking can help to tone your muscles and improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Another benefit of power walking is that it is low-impact, meaning it is easier on your joints than activities like running or jumping. This makes power walking an excellent choice for people who are looking for an exercise that is gentle on their bodies.
If you are interested in trying power walking, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to wear comfortable shoes that provide support for your feet and ankles. Second, start out slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the activity. Finally, be sure to warm up before power walking and cool down afterwards.
Fast walking can boost cardiovascular health
When it comes to maintaining a healthy heart, every little bit counts. And according to new research, even walking a little faster may help.
In a study of nearly half a million adults in the United Kingdom, those who walked at an average pace of at least 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) per hour were 20 percent less likely to die from any cause over the next decade than those who strolled along at 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) per hour or slower. They also had a 16 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease and stroke specifically.
While the findings held true even after taking into account other important health factors such as smoking, obesity, and diabetes, the researchers say that walking faster is no substitute for other well-established heart-healthy habits like being physically active overall, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.
Still, upping the pace even a little bit may be worth it for heart health. “Our findings suggest that if everyone walked at least briskly for 30 minutes every day, this would have substantial benefits for public health," said study author Christopher Millett, MBBS, MPH, PhD, of Imperial College London in the UK.
Power walking or regular walking?
The jury is still out on whether power walking or regular walking is better for you, but both have been shown to have health benefits. Power walking, which is a type of aerobic exercise, has been shown to improve heart health and help with weight loss. Regular walking has been shown to improve mental health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Challenge yourself
One of the best things you can do for your health is to challenge yourself physically. And what better way to do that than by walking? Walking is a great form of exercise that gets your heart pumping and your muscles working, without putting too much strain on your body.
If you also want to add some fun to your daily stroll, try Fitale. Fitale is a fitness based mobile game, in which your steps can be exchanged for progress in the app. You can also pledge your own daily step goals and get rewarded for reaching them. Fitale is free and you can check it out here, on the AppStore.
