Walking, The Most Underrated Fitness Hack

Walking? You’ve got be shitting me, how is this even considered a hack?

There are tons of reasons why walking is the most underrated fitness hack. But the main reason is that just about ANYONE can do this at ANY time.

You are sitting at work and need to use the restroom? Do an extra lap around the office to get a few more steps in. Boom, easy additional movement in.

You are hanging out watching football on a Sunday. During TV commercials breaks, walk around the house a few times. Again, easy money for additional movement.

You are taking a long drive back home for the holidays. Take a lap around the gas station or food stop to get some extra stomps in and soothe the stiff muscles from the long ride. Especially in Missouri/Texas, there are tons of these lovely places known as Buc-ee’s that have a whole trail you can walk around. Another simple and easy 1000 extra steps in.

Your two feet and the Earth beneath you are by FAR the most accessible workout accessories of all time. There is no competition, walking is the GOAT. And if you think about it, humans have been doing this for forever - and we will continue to do this until we have the opportunity to swap out legs for wheels when Elon starts to sell robotic implants to everyone. Oh - maybe that isn’t too far in the future. But look at this depiction of evolution - I’m not scientist, but it’s pretty clear we evolved to be up-right movers. Especially considering our ancestors being the ancient primates.

Regardless of speculation, walking takes the cake in nearly every category when it comes to functional fitness. Here’s a few examples of its benefits:

1. Improves Heart Health:

   1. Your heart is a muscle, and the same things apply to it as do the rest of the muscles (generally speaking don’t quote me on that). If you don’t use it you lose it. Walking adds an exercise to support the heart and condition it for movement.

2. Aids in Weight Management and Fat Loss:

   1. The more you move - the more calories you burn. The more calories you burn, the more likely you are to be in a calorie deficit. Boom, see ya later fat.

3. Enhances Mental Health and Reduces Stress:

   1. Have you ever just needed to take a walk? Whether you have been hit with hard stresses at work or at home. A simple 20-30 minute walk oftentimes does the trick. The movement resolves anxiety and helps you to gain a clearer perspective on what you may be dealing with. Plus walking outside helps you to detach from daily burdens. If you are stressed or anxious, leave the electronics at home and take a little galavant around the neighborhood.

4. Strengthens Muscles and Bones:

   1. Same situation as the heart, if you don’t use it - you lose it. The more you walk, the more able you are to continuously move without pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Then the easier it becomes.

5. Boosts Immunity and Reduces Risk of Chronic Illness:

   1. With all movement and exercise, these consistently assist in your body’s ability to successfully heal and ward off illnesses. The more conditioned and resilient your body is, the better.

Start with something simple, shoot for 5,000 a day and consistently progress and you would a workout routine.

When I first came out of back surgery the only option of exercise I had was to walk every 2 hours for only 35 minutes. I was stiff as a log for weeks after surgery, and then the moment I could implement walking - I went for it.

Day after day, week after week, I walked and walked and walked. Next thing you know I could slowly move much better, my healing process started to speed up, and I could literally feel the difference between my walking days and my off-days. It did so many wonders for me that I literally never stopped. I walk everyday and get around 13,000 steps. From it my sleep has improved, my healing from weightlifting has improved, my ability to fight illness and injury has improved, and it has given me the ability to easily follow any diet of my choosing without feeling like absolute shit.

Walking is the greatest cheat code to a more healthy lifestyle. No matter what situation you are in, it is always an option.

Take long walks with the pup, go hiking, or throw on a weighted vest and trudge on. Walking teaches you that in nearly every scenario there is a way to get movement in. If you can’t walk, bike; if you can’t bike, swim, etc etc.