The Wide World of Walking Equipment

The evidence just keeps on coming.  An organized walking program can and will improve your health.  It’s a fact.  A recent study appearing in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke is the latest.  We all know that exercise is good for you but this study specifically zeros in on the walking benefits as a critical exercise routine, even when compared to other forms such as running, swimming and biking.

The study was conducted with 39,000 female health workers 45 or older who participate in a comprehensive life style study called Women’s Health Study.  A 12-year-old research program that, among other things, monitors the participants’ physical activity, comparing it with various health related problems.

Results

The study looked at three factors: Generally how women classified their normal everyday walking speed (slow, moderate or brisk).  Identifying those who participated in an organized walking exercise program.  Finally, ascertaining those that participated in an exercise programs other than walking. The study found that women who said they walked briskly as part of their daily activities had a 37 % lower risk of a stroke than those who said they didn’t.  Women who reported walking a minimum of two hours a week at any pace had a 30 % lower risk of stroke.  The researchers found that a reduced risk of stroke was not evident with those women who engaged in other forms of physical exercise.   This seems a bit counter intuitive and may have been the result of too small of a sample size.  They adjusted their figures to take into account other things that might skew the results, such as age, smoking, family history, etc.

Implications

While the study didn’t establish the reasons behind the risk decline, lowering blood pressure for example, it does present some pretty clear implications. The study would seem to suggest that women, in particular, receive significant health benefits from engaging in even a modest walking program of two hours a week.  The other inference is that we need to “pick up the pace” in our everyday lives.  Simply put, whenever possible, walk at a brisk pace.  Don’t plod from A to B.  Get there quickly, with a bit of snap.  It’s not only good for your health but it projects an image of strength and energy as well.  So start now to maximize your walking benefits.

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