Cardiologists tell us the honest answer to the question: Is walking a good exercise?
And the truth is yesand no.
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a cardiologist atManhattan Cardiologyin New York City
And the first thing you oughta know is that the simple answer is yes.
But theres more to it.
Keep reading to uncover the health benefits of walking, and what cardiologists think of the movement altogether.
The health benefits of walking
Well shout it from the rooftops:Walking is good for you!
Even the smallest neighborhood loopeven justwalking a mile a daycan have an immense impact on your health and well-being.
Morbidity refers to illness or disease, while mortality refers to death.
Remember, the Fitbit and smartwatch apps are still actually a relatively new phenomenon.
To help further guide you in your walking goals, check out the answers to the FAQ, below.
Is it better to walk faster or longer?
a cardiologist atManhattan Cardiologyin New York City
If youre trying to decide whether towalk fast or walk far, both options are beneficial.
Incrementally adding distance and speed will help with your cardiovascular health, Dr. Patwa says.
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How does incline affect results?
It amps up your heart rate, Dr. Patwa says.
Thats why the12-3-30 trendhas become such a sensation.
Is walking with ankle weights beneficial?
As weve previously reported,walking with ankle weightshas its pros and cons.
On the other, heavy ankle weights can overstrain your ankle joints which can potentially lead to injury.
What heart rate zones should you aim for?
Classes like Orangetheory Fitness popularized working out with your heart rate in mind.
Now, newer models of the Apple Watch allow you to track your heart rate during cardio.
This of course makes people wonder what heart rate zone is ideal when walking and working out in general.
However, its really up to you how fit you want to be.
If youre someone who wants to build up your VO2 max soyou cantrain for a marathon, fantastic.
And if youre someone whos content with a brisk walk to your favorite coffee store, thats also great.
Can you get in shape solely by walking?
Walking works muscles from head to toe.
Overall, aerobic exercise is best for cardiovascular health, Dr. Patwa says.
In general, being and a caloric deficit and weight lifting are more helpful with weight loss.
The bottom line
Is walking a good exercise?
For heart health, absolutelyand for people of all ages.
Anything that gets you moving is recommended, she reminds us.
All in all, Dr. Patwa says that walking contributes to the recommended weekly amount of exercise.
We recommend at least 150 mins of moderate-intensity exercise per week, she says.
Anything that gets your heart pumping and makes breathing a bit uncomfortable is the ideal range for exercise.
With this in mind, Dr. Weinrauch says not to overthink your strolls.
Its the choose your own adventure of fitness.
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