Walking may be a popular form of exercise with numerous health benefits, but experts warn that it may not be enough for overall fitness. Melissa Boyd, a certified personal trainer, emphasizes the importance of incorporating different types of movement into your daily routine.
Boyd explains that while walking is essential for basic bodily functions like circulation and digestion, it is just one form of movement. To achieve functional fitness, she recommends incorporating athletic movement and social movement into your routine as well.
Dr. Carl Cirino, a sports medicine surgeon, agrees that our bodies need to move in various ways to stay fit. He suggests activities like yoga and Pilates to work and stretch muscles in different directions, promoting balance and stability.
To make exercise more manageable, Boyd and Cirino suggest breaking down movements into “exercise snacks” throughout the day. This could involve doing squats while going to the bathroom or push-ups while getting water.
Both experts stress the importance of finding enjoyable forms of movement to make exercise feel less like a chore. By starting slowly and gradually incorporating more movement into your routine, you can build good habits and improve overall fitness.
In conclusion, while walking is beneficial for health, it should be supplemented with other forms of movement to achieve optimal fitness. By incorporating a variety of movements into your daily routine and finding activities you enjoy, you can improve your overall health and well-being.