Benefits of walking, especially briskly

[Jajarunner]

another great piece by the ever handsome Dr F Perry Wilson. I'm a huge advocate of walking in my personal and professional life (i specialise in prescribing exercise for medical conditions) and so it was great to read this study. Best of all WALKING IS FREE!

medscape.com/viewarticle/98...

[Hennerton]

I loved this post. I try to walk briskly three to four miles a day but with a new phone app to encourage me, I have been amazed at how many steps I do by simply walking around my house, doing chores and cooking supper etc. I think we are probably all walking more than we realize.

[secondtry]

Good post. For a lot of my earlier life I have dismissed walking as boring and, maybe coincidentally, battled with my weight. Then 20 years ago I got a DVT in my leg and ever since to improve circulation I have done x2 per day speed walks of 1 mile with Nordic poles and in the last 10 years improved my diet. Result: I am now the same weight as when I was 18 and it stays off!

[CDreamer]

Unfortunately other conditions prevent me from walking and never been able to walk more than a few miles, hence I took my exercise in very different ways. 15 mins walk is now the limit and hills are complete no, no.

Enjoy

[Jajarunner in reply to CDreamer]

it all counts 😀

[Ppiman]

I remember a couple of years or more ago an older endocrinologist prof speaking at length on a BBC radio programme expounding the benefits of daily walking as a way to reduce the body's demand for insulin, often, in his view, sufficiently to lead to an effective cure for type 2 diabetes. A second, younger, endocrinologist was rather less convinced but he stood his ground and said that what we used to call "sugar" diabetes should actually have been called "lack-of-walking" diabetes.

Steve

[irene75359]

I totally agree - I have walked just about every day for many years and retained most of my suppleness (I am now 71). I averaged 25 - 30 miles a week of brisk walking. Unfortunately pelvic radiotherapy has meant I now have painful hips and aching muscles, but having started walking again, things are easing slightly. I am not up to a 'brisk' walk yet nor the distance I used to cover, but that is my goal.

[2learn]

Great if you can do it but no one ever says what your supposed to do with chronic arthritis in knee and foot making walking v difficult and painful

[SilverAvocado in reply to 2learn]

I also can't walk for exercise because I get a lot of inflammation in my thighs.

I do pilates. You can find a lot of routines online especially on YouTube. I look for exercises mainly done from lying down on a mat. If you try it be careful to start very slowly. The exercises initially feel much easier than they are, so you can end up very stiff the next day. I started off doing less than ten minute sessions.

[2learn in reply to SilverAvocado]

thanks Silver. I used to do Pliates 90mins a week sessions, but stopped as my arthritis ached for about 4 days after a session.

[ozziebob]

Jaja,

You seem to have attracted those who now can't enjoy the obvious health benefits of vigorous walking, or even just walking.

Like me! Childhood polio and now post polio syndrome has me looking on enviously at those who can use walking as you suggest. If only.

Never mind, by taking weight off my legs, I can still get around locally by bicycle, and do manage a period of cycling exercise each day to maintain some level of cardio health, even if longer journeys require too much of my remaining resources.

But sadly it's a downhill journey for me, as overuse of my remaining polio damaged neurons/muscles leads to faster deterioration not improved performance. Rock and hard place sadly. Such is life.

We all have our place in this world of suffering and overcoming.

Yes, walking really is a wonderful gift to those who can enjoy the miracle it is, for as long as possible.

Thanks for posting and reminding us all.

Bob

[stargazer52]

that’s ok if you can do it. My breathlessness prohibits me walking anywhere at a brisk pace. Slow pace only and not very far! How I wish I could

[Jajarunner in reply to stargazer52]

but it all counts 😀

[stargazer52 in reply to Jajarunner]

yes that’s why I potter as much as I can. I believe being on your feet rather than sat down helps

[Singwell]

Am an avid brisk walker. 5 days a werk minimum- it's such a pleasure!