Why Walking Works Even Though It Doesn't Feel Like Exercise
The least glamorous form of movement might also be the most effective one.
Walking doesn’t get much credit in wellness culture, and it’s easy to see why. There’s no class to sign up for, no program to follow, nothing especially compelling to post about. It’s just something everyone already knows how to do, which might be exactly why it gets overlooked as an effective workout.
Photo credit: Samson Katt
The Research Backs It Up
Walking is one of the most well-supported forms of movement. Every extra 1,000 steps in a day is linked to a drop in risk of death from any cause, and that benefit keeps climbing well past the 10,000-step mark. Even light walkers still see meaningful gains just from moving a little more than they did the day before.
Why Walking Gets Overlooked
Part of why walking gets overlooked as a legitimate workout is that it doesn’t feel like exercise. There’s not much soreness; if you’re walking at a regular pace, it won’t feel like you pushed through a workout. But steady walking supports heart health, helps regulate blood sugar, and lifts your mood.
Photo credit: Mizuno Kozuki
There’s a Low Barrier of Entry
Walking also almost asks nothing of you. There’s no equipment needed, no membership, and no learning curve. A walk can fit into a lunch break, a phone call, or a Saturday morning with your family. The ease of going on a walk is why it’s more sustainable than more demanding workout routines.
How to Fit Walking In Your Daily Routine
Curating a great playlist, downloading an audiobook, or having a podcast saved for walks only turns the time into something to look forward to rather than something to get through. Walking with friends adds conversation and a bit of accountability that’s harder to find in a solo workout.
For anyone who wants to make their walks more challenging, adding light resistance is an easy way to do it. Bala Bangles strap onto your wrists or ankles and add gentle weight, turning your daily walks into a more full-body effort without changing the pace or the route. Although it may seem like a small addition, you’ll notice the difference by the end of your walk.
