Many people believe that walking is enough to meet their exercise needs. And while walking is far better than being sedentary (I’ll never discourage 10,000 steps a day!), it might not be enough to truly achieve the health goals you’re aiming for.
Here’s the truth:
If you’re not hitting 10,000 steps a day (over 5 miles), you may be overestimating how much exercise you’re getting.
Walking alone doesn’t consistently elevate your heart rate, which is essential for burning fat and improving cardiovascular health.
Walking won’t help you build muscle,which is critical for metabolism, strength, and injury prevention.
Most lab reports I see reveal that many adults aren’t getting nearly enough exercise to meet their body’s needs.
So, what should you focus on instead?
Get your heart rate up. Your fat-burning zone is where the magic happens. Use a smartwatch or fitness tracker to monitor your heart rate and aim to hit this zone consistently.
Build muscle. Running or walking alone won’t do this. Instead, incorporate:
Make it time-efficient. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is one of my favorites. In just 15-30 minutes a day, you can combine heart-pumping cardio with muscle-building exercises—all from the comfort of your home, with little to no equipment.
Why Does This Matter?
Every year, “losing weight” is the most common New Year’s resolution. Whether your goal is to shed pounds, build strength, or simply be healthier, the type and intensity of your activity matter.
Walking is a great start, but if you’re ready to truly transform your fitness and health, it’s time to take it up a notch!
Let’s make this your year to move smarter and get the results you deserve.
Here’s to your health and strength.