Can I Get in Shape by Walking?
You know you need to step up your fitness routine to see results, but you’re body isn’t cut out for running, so you're wondering: Can walking get me in shape? Don Gallucci, a fitness coach and personal trainer at the TriHealth Fitness and Health Pavilion, says “yes.”
Who Should Opt for Walking?
Walking may be a beneficial alternative for people who have bad knees. Mike Bochmovich admits that running wasn’t an option after his knee surgery, so he’s opted for a walking and strength training program. “The main thing is just moving better, being able to lift and do the types of things I didn’t think I was going to be able to do after knee replacement,” he tells Local 12’s Liz Bonis.
Walking vs. Running: How Can it Be Beneficial?
Don says in order to experience health and weight loss benefits from walking, you need to go a little longer or a little faster and suggests 30 to 40 minutes most days of the week. “If you’re [walking] about three to four miles an hour, which is 20-minute or 15-minute miles, those calorie expenditures are about equal,” Don points out.
Over the past year-and-a-half, Mike has also dropped twenty pounds.
On the other hand, walking offers plenty of psychological benefits, too. “Your mental part can really bring you down and that sort of pumps me up,” Mike explains.