Walking Doesn't Count

Walking Doesn't Count

The vast majority of my 1 on 1 client have heard this from me, "Walking Does NOT Count Exercise".

This maybe shocking to some of you, but my logic is simple. Most of us were born with and still have two completely functional legs.

We are meant to walk.

It is what we as humans are SUPPOSED to do.

So unless you are obese >50lbs overweight walking doesn't not count as exercise.

If you are obese and walking to your mailbox has you sweating like you are in a Richard Simmons 'Sweatin' To the Oldies' video.

Then get to walkin'.

Be forewarned walking will likely only be a viable options for a few months until it stagnates.

This is a classic line that I get from clients they come back from vacation: 'We sure walked a lot'. Yep, I bet you did, sure hope you didn't over exert yourself (sarcasm).

Just because you performing an activity that you do not normally perform does not make it exercise i.e. walking for most people.

In order for an activity to qualify as exercise there needs to be planning, intent, and progression.

This lends it self to the question what is walking if it is not exercise?

It falls into the category of NEPA Non-Exercise Physical Activity; this includes yard work, house cleaning, etc...

Of course the next question is: Is walking good for you?

Yes absolutely, but more as a stress management tool, therapeutic so to speak.

Personally, I like to use them to get my dog some exercise. It is also used as my special 'think tank' time. I have come up with pretty cool business ideas while out walking.

I also really enjoy going for a walk with my wife it really allows us some really great undivided communication time. Plus, it gets us off the computer or out from in front of the TV.

So don't necessarily stop your walking just realize that it is NOT exercise.

Stay tuned, in an upcoming blog I will be sharing some thoughts with you about walking's big brother hiking, and couple of unknown benefit to hiking.


Troy M Anderson
Tempe, AZ Women's Fitness Bootcamp