Why walking might be the best weight management exercise

Walking is by far the most widely used exercise for people who are successful in losing and maintaining weight. But why is walking the best exercise for losing weight? Compare it to some other forms of exercise to see:

• Walking vs. Running: Although running may burn more calories per minute, it also increases bone and joint wear. For individuals with joint pain or arthritis, running for more than a minute or two at a time may be impossible due to the pain. In addition, the risk of injury is higher with running than with walking.

If you suffer from joint pain or have sustained an injury, it is unlikely that you will be able to keep up with your exercise routine. With walking, joint pain is limited thanks to the low-impact nature of walking, which means you can walk more often and for longer distances with less impact on your body.

• Walk versus bike: Riding a bike can take some stress off your joints; However, in order to ride a bike, you need a bike – either a regular bike or a stationary bike. You also need to have access to a safe bike path or somewhere in your home or gym to ride a stationary bike.

Since cycling requires more equipment and cannot be done anywhere and at any time like walking, it is less convenient. When it comes to starting an exercise routine, you want it to be as easy for you to stick to as possible. Cycling opens the door to excuses, like the weather isn’t nice, the road is too crowded, you don’t feel like driving to the gym, etc.
With a walk, whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about with friends, there’s always a chance to take a few extra steps.

• Walking vs. Swimming: Swimming is a great low-impact exercise, especially for those with joint pain and arthritis. The downside to swimming is that it requires access to a pool, lake, or ocean. Additionally, with swimming, you need time to put on a bathing suit as well as dry up afterwards. If you’re looking to get a quick workout on your lunch break, jumping in the pool may not be realistic depending on the extra time needed to change and dry up.

 

• Walking vs. Group Exercise: Depending on the form of group exercise or classes you choose, the effect may be low or high. High-impact fitness classes may burn more calories, but as with running, they come with a higher risk of injury and joint pain. Fitness classes also require space to perform, whether you have a room in your home or you travel to the gym. It also involves pursuing a DVD or taking a class, which involves a cost. Nor can group exercise anywhere as easily as walking.

You might feel awkward doing ten-minute dance moves on your lunch break at work or on the sidelines of your child’s soccer game, when no one thinks you’ve looked outside as you’re walking around your office or on the soccer field.
You see, when compared to almost any other exercise, you can’t get around the comfort and accessibility of walking. The easier it is to fit exercise into your day, the easier it will be to stick to your workout routine. This is why walking works so well: It’s simple, inexpensive and can be done anywhere!