I’m often asked if just walking is “good enough” exercise for people over 50.
The short answer is: Nope. Sorry, but it’s not.
Walking IS a great first step – pun intended. So, if you’re thinking of starting an exercise program, then yes – get up and go for a walk. Or, if you’ve been walking more than normal during the last year because of the pandemic, then now is the time to take that next step. Strength training, for instance, can’t be ignored later in life.
Walking For Exercise
First, here’s what’s so great about walking. It’s easy for most people, and you can do it anywhere, anytime, with no special equipment other than a good pair of shoes. You can even burn around 300 calories an hour – more if you increase the speed or add some hills to tax your glutes, hamstrings and calves a bit more, and that’s always a good thing.
A consistent routine can lead to weight loss, up to 15 pounds a year for someone who is just starting out. So that’s a great start! But realize that for continued weight loss, like any other routine, you’ll have to increase the intensity or duration.
That might mean incorporating some intervals – jogging for 1 minute of every 5 or 10 minutes of walking, for example. Gradually increase the time you’re jogging. You might even add a vest loaded with light weights for a greater challenge.
Walk at a brisk pace, so that a prolonged conversation is a challenge. That’s the pace needed to lead to healthy improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.
Contact me today so we can discuss the next steps on your fitness journey to strength, stamina, agility – and living the life you want.