There are lot of ways people exercise today – whether it’s swimming, hiking, biking, martial arts, running, gardening, aerobics & other classes, yoga, weightlifting, and numerous sporting activities. Given the number of options, however, experts say that “walking is a superfood” of fitness. According to Katy Bowman, author and scientist, walking is the “defining movement of a human.” Walking, she suggests, is a “movement nutrient that the body needs.”
New research evidence has come to light that suggests that trying to offset a sedentary lifestyle with an hour-straight of exercise may not be as effective as integrating shorter breaks throughout the day. In August of this year, a small study of non-obese men suggests that three to five minute walks/breaks for every hour of sitting helps functionality of arterial flow in the legs.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends at least 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of activity each week. For most adults, this amount of physical activity can be easily achieved in 30 minutes/day, five days a week. ACSM’s former President, Dr. Bob Sallis touts walking (and rolling, for those who use wheelchairs) a “wonder drug” for many of today’s most common medical problems.
Welcome to the walking movement!
Want to learn more:
Effect of Prolonged Sitting and Breaks in Sitting Time on Endothelial Function: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25137367
Every Body Walk! The Campaign to Get America Walking: www.everybodywalk.org
ACSM on Physical Activity and Weight Loss: http://www.acsm.org/about-acsm/media-room/acsm-in-the-news/2011/08/01/acsm-position-stand-on-physical-activity-and-weight-loss-now-available
Katy Bowman: Move Your DNA: Restore Your Health Through Natural Movement – Paperback
