For individuals not inclined toward running, or those precluded by injury from engaging in such activities, brisk walking emerges as a viable alternative. Each stride taken in the course of walking contributes meaningfully to the pursuit of cardiovascular health.

Recent research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California tells us that brisk walking can be just as beneficial as running when it comes to reducing the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes – all of which are significant risk factors for heart disease and strokes.

The study looked at a considerable number of participants and found that the energy expended in moderate-intensity walking and vigorous-intensity running resulted in similar risk reductions over a six-year period. The more you walk each week, the more health benefits you’ll gain.

Now, this aligns well with the recommendations from the American Heart Association, which suggests that adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, including at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity to really reap the benefits.

Start Small

Coming off of winter you may been taking it easy and that’s alright. We can start small – just a few extra minutes each day. It’s not an all-or-nothing scenario; we’re looking at progress step by step.

So, set a doable goal for today, and we can work on gradually increasing your time as you get in better shape. The key is to find an approach that you enjoy, whether it’s the scenery, a walking buddy, or just some quiet time for yourself. And for those busy days – which I’m sure you have plenty of – we can break up your walks into shorter 10-15 minute sessions.

There are plenty of opportunities to fit walking into your routine, like walking the dog, spending time with the family at the park, parking a bit farther from work, or even strolling around the mall. The goal is to make it enjoyable and practical for you. You can try our 13 week walking plan that starts at just 10 minutes a day gradually increasing up to 60 minutes a day.

All you need to get started is a good pair of sneakers. Walking is easy, safe, and has the lowest dropout rate of any exercise. It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment, making it one of the most accessible forms of physical activity.

Before you know it, brisk walking can become a natural part of your daily routine, and you’ll be reaping the benefits for your heart health. Walking is a valuable form of physical activity. So, let’s lace up those sneakers and take that first step towards a healthier you.

Dr. Bobish

Dr. Bobish and her team’s goal is to help you reduce your risk of heart disease. Helping you to understand your risk factors and make healthful lifestyle changes.

Remember regardless of age or current state of health it is never too late to start protecting your heart. It is also never too soon and the sooner you act the better. Follow us on Facebook to see our latest post helping to keep you heart healthy. You can also explore all our articles that offer diet and exercise tips, recipes and information on procedures and heart disease.

Dr. Bobish and her team focus on preventative care and are here to support you. Alpine Cardiology provides patients with education as well as compassionate care and treatment. We are committed to keeping you healthy and heart smart! Request an appointment at 989-448-7002