More and more Americans are walking for exercise. In fact, the number of adults walking for transportation, fun and exercise increased for the fifth consecutive year in 2021. In total, 60% of adults are walking for aerobic activity. And there’s a great reason why they should be. The CDC reports that adults need at least 2 ½ hours of fitness in the form of aerobic activity every week. Good news – that aerobic activity can be something as simple as a brisk walk!
For an average-sized adult, a 30-minute stroll can result in up to 150 calories burned walking. Learn the benefits of walking for exercise and health and get some tips on the best ways to get started.
How Many Calories Do You Burn Walking?
The number of calories burned walking depends on your weight, the distance you walk and pace of your walking. For example, a 170 lb. person walking at a 3 mi/hour pace for 30 minutes may burn about 142 calories while a 130 lb. person walking the same distance at the same pace may only burn 108 calories.
Is Walking Good Exercise?
Are you wondering “is walking good exercise?” The answer is a strong yes. Walking is a great form of exercise in addition to just burning calories. Walking as few as 30 minutes a day can result in health benefits such as a lowered resting heart rate. Walking can also help you:
1. Improve your balance. According to Harvard Medical School, one of the main benefits of walking for exercise is improving your balance and coordination. Create a walking plan to get you in the habit of adding a brisk stroll to your exercise routine. You’ll develop lower-body strength, one of the key ways to ensure you maintain your balance at any age. Start small and build your way up.
2. Lift your spirits. Living a healthy lifestyle includes finding ways to improve your mental health. According to research by Dr. Michael C. Miller, even something as simple as regular walks can increase blood flow to your brain and improve your mental acuity and mood significantly. In fact, a study found that for individuals with major depressive disorder, those who walked for 30 minutes had more positive feelings of well-being and vigor compared to those who rested quietly for 30 minutes. Why not take the dog for an extra walk during the day? Walking for exercise will make him just as happy as it’ll make you.
3. Maintain your weight. According to Mayo Clinic, you could burn 150 calories by taking a brisk 30-minute walk – just enough to burn off the calories from the cookies you had earlier. So, if you’re trying to keep your weight down, don’t forget to incorporate a walk into your daily routine. You can’t get the benefits of walking for exercise if you aren’t going for a walk regularly.
5 Tips on Walking for Exercise
The safer and more comfortable you are, the more enjoyable and beneficial your walking exercise routine will become. So, before you throw on your good walking shoes and head out for a stroll around the block, look at these five tips on walking for exercise.
1. Choose a Walking Exercise App
Most people prefer walking outside as opposed to on a treadmill. But there is one distinct advantage to a treadmill and that is its ability to measure and quantify your workout. Treadmills can track your distance, pace, elevation and calories burned. Fortunately, there are GPS apps you can download on your smartphone that will provide comparable data.
MapMyWalk is a popular app for walkers, runners and hikers. It can track your distance, speed and the route that you take. This can be incredibly helpful if you get lost, as it allows you to trace your steps back. You can also save your routes and race against your previous walks to try to improve your completion times. Additionally, you can upload the data from MapMyWalk to other apps such as FitBit and Jawbone.
Even if you don’t plan to use an app, you should still always bring your mobile phone with you when walking. You can use it to call for help in an emergency, check the weather or refer to GPS if you get lost. Be sure to get to a safe place, away from traffic before using your phone.
2. Dress for Comfort and Safety
Choose your clothing and footwear wisely. Comfort and safety are likely the two most important features to look for when dressing for a fitness walk. Of course, it’s also important that you’re happy with the way you look. If you’re walking through your neighborhood and wearing clothes that make you feel awkward, you’re probably not going to enjoy your walk. You may even be more inclined to skip your walks if you’re not happy with your clothing.
Good Walking Shoes or Walking Sandals?
You’re going to want to wear a pair of comfortable, good walking shoes, walking sandals or running shoes. Good walking shoes should be comfortable and supportive with appropriate arch support for your feet. If you prefer walking sandals, make sure to find a pair with adjustable straps and a shock-absorbent sole for maximum comfort.
Your walking shoe selection should depend on whether you’re walking on streets or off-road trails. If you’re walking on the streets, you want a well-cushioned shoe that is lighter and has a lower ankle. Asics Gel Kayano is an example of a popular shoe for street walking. If you’re walking on off-road trails, the Merrell Chameleon Wrap Salm Gore-Tex XCR is an example of a good walking shoe that offers durable soles and a supportive structure. In addition to a good pair of shoes, consider a reflective rain jacket. Proviz Reflect 360 Jacket looks like a normal, water-resistant windbreaker. But it’s made entirely out of reflective material. This way, vehicles can easily spot you when walking at night or consider using a reflective vest.
3. Check the Weather and Sunset Time
Of course, the apparel you wear for your walk will also be dependent on the weather and time of day. Check the hourly forecast before going on your walk. This is especially important in the wintertime, as temperatures can drop dramatically within short time periods. Walking during a snowstorm can be incredibly dangerous due to low visibility and dangerously slippery conditions. In the summertime, your area could have quick moving storms. It’s also important that you check the time of sunset. You can use the MapMyWalk app to help determine how long you will be on your walk. You can then choose a start time that gets you back safely before dark. Be sure to wear your reflective jacket and bring a flashlight in case you’ll be walking after or near sunset.
4. Be Aware of Traffic During Your Walk
One of the biggest dangers for walkers is moving vehicles. The following tips can help you stay safe and avoid accidents.
- Cross streets at crosswalks and intersections and abide by pedestrian traffic lights.
- Always wear a reflective jacket and carry a flashlight when walking at night.
- Stay on the sidewalk if possible.
- If there is no sidewalk, stay close to the curb and always walk facing traffic.
- Don’t fidget with your smartphone or device while walking. If you need to check your GPS, walking app or make a phone call, find a safe place off the road to do so.
5. Prepare for Walking Trails
Walking on trails requires some of the same safety protocols as walking on streets. There are, however, additional safety tips that you should follow. Here’s a quick guide to trail walking safety:
- Stay to the right when walking on trails. The right side of any lane has become the universally accepted “traveling” lane in the United States. This will allow cyclists and runners to easily pass you.
- Carry your ID to help in the event you are involved with an accident or medical emergency.
- Don’t listen to headphones as these will make you less aware of nearby hazards and animal life.
- Stay connected by letting people know when and where you will be walking. If possible, bring a friend.
Walking for exercise can be a fun and easy way to improve your health. It’s also a great way to get fresh air and see the sights of an area. Walking for exercise is a fun partner or group activity. Use your common sense and our helpful safety tips and get out there – alone or with others – and enjoy this relaxing, low-intensity way to exercise.
What do you do to motivate yourself to go for a walk? Let us know in the comments below.
I AM 85 AND CAN,T WALK FAST, IN FACK WALKING IS HARD FOR ME, I ACK ALL OVER, WHAT CAN I DO FOR EXERCISE I DO WALK BUT USE A CANE
A note about benefits of walking: If you’ve lost bone density in your hips, especially, you should walk with hard soled shoes on hard surfaces like concrete sidewalks and asphalt. (Of course make sure you aren’t in danger of being hit by a car!). The impact of each foot step sends a slight shock to your hips and in return, the bones try to produce stronger, more dense bone tissue. Most post-menopausal women have had bone density loss. Adding 10 to 20 grams of tasteless collagen in hot or cold drinks everyday to benefit joints, bones, improved skin and hair. Collagen powders come in two categories. The first is Types I, II, and III. A more comprehensive approach is Collagen that is Type I, II, III, V, and X.
While walking on the right side of a trail might be the norm, pedestrians are supposed to walk on the left side of a road with no sidewalks, facing traffic. As to cyclists, particularly now that some cyclists are motorized, it’s better to find a trail that doesn’t allow them. And cyclists need to remember they aren’t supposed to be on the sidewalk, so shouting, “on the left” before whipping past an unaware pedestrian on the sidewalk is risky. Unfortunately, unlike motorists, cyclists are rarely held accountable for their behavior or the accidents they cause.
I would love to walk, but unfortunately I’m in an upstairs apartment and I’m on oxygen.As soon as I can find out about indegen oxygen concentrator price Im hoping to get back to walking again.
The tips on walking was fantastic. Thanks for reminding me of things I stop doing when I walk.i’m 77 years old I walk 8 to 10 miles 6 days a week
I realize that a to much.i’m recovering from stress fracture.
Need a wslking club so I can do it with a partner. My friendd refused I am in 70 and have joint pains
It would be nice to “Walk Left, Ride Right” to be able to see the oncoming bike traffic and not be scared when they buzz by.
I walk about 3 miles nearly every day, but probably not as briskly as I should for maximum benefit. I’m a few months shy of 84 with thankfully few health issues, so I will continue to walk as long as I’m able. As they say, can’t hurt and might help! Thank you in advance for your newsletter. What I’d really like is a walking partner, but so far you can’t order one from Amazon . . .
I have been walking regularly for years and it helps with listening to music and have a pace from my music that helps me to keep a good control on the pace. I walk to the beat. I walk 1 to 2 hours every day. I have lost 60 pounds by doing so. I love walking!
I eat a pound of bacon for breakfast each morning, so that motivates me to get out and walk for 30 minutes a day.
I have a dog (LOLA) and she makes me get up and take her for walks 5 or 6 times a day it is great to get out.
There are several apps that let you walk well-known paths virtually. I did the Camino de Santiago de Compostella. Three miles a day for five months! The app shows maps your walk, shows you photos and videos of where you have walked (had you really been in Spain), “stamps” your virtual passport. Lots of fun. Many shorter walks are on the internet also.
At 72 years old, in great health except for 1 5mg blood pressure pill daily, I walk between 3-5 miles 6 days a week, usually in the 4.25-mile range at 3.5 to 7 mph.
I walk on a walking path @ my YMCA 20 – 30 minutes along with some stretching and strength exercises, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I walk on my Treadmill 30 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ home. I am a healthy 89 year old male. Could I be over doing this. I feel great. But, am I wearing my self-out?
Thank you for so much information. Do you have more information about weight, exercise and good food for health.
Hi Mary – We’re glad you found this article helpful! For more information, check out our exercise and nutrition articles here on Extra Mile. Thanks for reading!
I started walking with my dog I really like it and he does to we are walking 🚶♀️ 1 half miles a day
Thank you for your support in my Health and Fitness journey for 2023.
You’re welcome, Sonia! We’re happy to hear our content is helpful.
JANUARY 4 was my birthday ..and I received more of God’s Grace and Mercy…I’m 53 n I have multiple health conditions…..I still do what makes me happy…Music of all genres is soothing to me….Pain is my normal…daily so just to let you all know …we gotta be strong even when we dont feel good…death is literally here with Covid 19…I pray and I suggest that u quarantine bc its safe… go out when you necessarily have to…I am disable n can no longer work. Due to all of my health issues….thankfully I have not lost any family members to Covid..I have lost a few friends…all I’m really trying to say is love yourself enough to be concerned about your neighbor n family…n Put God 1st n let’s pray that this PANDEMIC just eventually go away…STAY HOME IF YOU CAN IT SAVES LIVES….MUCH LOVE
I remind myself how great I will feel after I’m done with my 2-mile walk most mornings. It sets me up for a more productive day.
It’s sad to read that u hurt yourself…the way the world is now, I suggest walking in your house…get pedometer and have fun doing that…turn on some music n give yourself time..put your gym shoes on n walk in every room down the hall etc…4000 steps is equal to 2.1 miles n you can do it in 30 minutes…no distractions..good luck it’s much more safer… n make sure u check vitals before n after..keep track on paper as well…God bless u and anyone else who is all for WELLNESS..
I’ve been walking since the pandemic started, (which I enjoy) unfortunately in June, 2020 I fell face down on the cement! Bleeding, & worried I hurt my knee replacement, I walked home, & called my friend who took me to the emergency room! Fortunately, nothing was broke, & my knee was okay, but I was bradley bruised for awhile! I felt, I wanted to know why I fell, & we all know the sidewalks aren’t even! I also checked with my Doctor after doing some tests, that my blood pressure dropped, which that’s what we also think that’s why I fell! We changed my medicine, & I’m doing well! Still afraid to walk, which I have to get over! My New Years resolution is to go & walk at my Park District which is inside!
Thanks for all these articles, I enjoyed reading them!
How scary! So glad you are ok. Happy New Year!
Good luck to everyone who is for wellness of life…
I love walking and I have (DDD) N osteoarthritis…degenerative disc disease…I also have Coronary artery disease…it is good for me to walk..I actually count my steps right in the comfort of my home…4000 steps is 2.1 miles…so I do that n sum…I lace up my gym shoes and put music on …that’s my life.
isolation by local restrictions about Corona Virus keeps my 72yo self inside, but after 2days, 3 at most, have to go outside for walkabout, usually 1-3 miles. feel much better when return home & my cat happy to see me
I retired three years ago, I have Parkinson’s Disease and walk seven days a week, from 5K t 10 K. I have a dog and he loves to walk, so that’s my push to walk plus I feel great and keeps my PD symptoms at bay! Also, takes away any morning aches and pains. Start walking today and don’t quit, you’ll feel terrific.
Buddy here I walk 2 miles 3 times a week help blood pressure go down feels great enjoy thanks you
I realized that I can’t be still after my daily house work, I’ve decided to put that energy to good use, especially since I have a really bad back and I found walking and stretching, has improved my mood.
That’s great to hear! Thank you for the comment, Pandora.
I have a very bad back and cannot use a treadmill anymore but I also have a very bad right leg(knee) . Had to back off all exercise for a couple of weeks and am just starting back. Walked ten min. this a.m. and just finished another ten this p.m. I’ll get back because I feel better when I exercise. This is my first comment to you.
1.Make a playlist of your favorite tunes.
2. Purchase some inexpensive walking poles to work your upper body as well.
3. Drink an all natural energy drink such as Health and Body Natural’s VITALITEA
https://shophbn.com/634653
I walk with friends 6 days a week 5 miles a day, starting at 6am. The weather is gorgeous, you get to see the sun rise and we talk and catch up on our daily lives.
I love it,
Such a great way to make exercising fun! Thank you for the comment.
The dog is the top motivator. Husbands are pretty good, too. The route? REVERSE direction helps, too. Literally seeing your neighborhood from the opposite angle makes it more interesting. Find a safe park route nearby. Bring water. Honor your personal style…introverts may want to be solitary but extroverts want to chat with a fellow walker or use the time on their phone to catch up with a friend. Audible books make the time go faster.
Great tips! Thank you 🙂
My dog has to be walked daily to rehab her leg surgery and it makes her happy. but I have to judge how far she can go each day without hurting her
recovery.
Because I have asthma, I am very slow, but I love to hike in the mountains not far from me. In the summer when it is almost 100 degrees here, it is often 78 degrees in the high country. Many trails prohibit dogs so I always look for places that do not. It is great to identify new wildflowers, learn about geological formations, spot trout in the streams, and see wildlife. In the winter I take up cross-country skiing and enjoy the cold and snow.
Just being out in nature and hearing the sounds of the birds etc. and having my dog as my partner.
We agree! A dog is a great walking partner.
Went to Asics site after clicking on the Asics gel quickwalk 3, could not find them anywhere.
Now what?
Did I do something wrong or did you?
Hi Mike – Thank you for bringing that to our attention. We found a similar shoe from Asics with the gel comfort feature here. This shoe is great for walking and running.
As a former runner who prefers not to run anymore I still have those competitive urges. I simply was a casual walker until I installed the Adidas running (walking app) on my phone. Now my driving force to get me outside is to better my time from the day before. Only months away from 71. years old I am now down to 12:24 minutes per mile for my five mile walks outside at an average pace of 4.8 to 4.9 miles per hour. Walking has energized my recent retirement and my only fear is that I might injure myself so that I can’t walk.
Get out and exercise. You will feel better the rest of the day!
I have been doing a daily walk since I retired 10 yrs ago. I’m 77 next week. I’m diabetic, and have had heart failure since before retirement. I normally walk about 1 mile anymore in one stretch. I have gone from 2112 lbs to 180 lbs. My blood pressure stays normal with meds, and the one benefit I have noticed is the drop in blood sugar that occurs when I walk. It makes a difference overnight and I have to plan accordingly. I urge everyone who can to walk. Start slowly and yes, your lower back muscles may ache at first, but it goes away with consistent effort. One other thing is dress for the weather. In winter have a good quality down jacket and related gear. I wear insulated jeans in the winter. Look at them as an investment into your health. Long johns are an option. DNK
Always out at first light in the morning.
I am a 77 year old man and walk my dog around 2.5 miles a day year round. Live with wife in Bangor, Maine. In the winter walk is reduced to about 1.5 miles a day.
I have a tip for you. I go to aquatic pool therapy. For me this is the best. I am disabled with severe back pain. The pool water temperature is 90. This exercise takes my pain away.
Thank you, Barbara!
Morning walking shady trails in my area is my workout enjoying the nature and feeling blessed for the energy to keep on doing it; and It is filling my spiritual needs to remain grateful in spite of these critical times of Covid-19. I feel.great when I get home.
S.Szabo
Spring, Tx
Alberta is spot on. Not only are dogs great companions, they need exercise and motivate you to GET OUTSIDE.
Losing my dog in May made my walks tedious and an effort, I made excuses to not walk; am taking care of my “grand puppies “ and look forward to walking them a few times a day, they are little so it’s about a mile each time we are outside, but we are all enjoying ourselves.
I prefer first thing in the morning – listening to a podcast or talk.
Set a definite time. Consider it an appointment.
Your article is good . . . for most people. But for those of us with osteoarthritis (deterioration of the padding between bones), it does more harm than good. To your knees and hips in particular. I also have deterioration in my thumbs, jawbone and back.
The bone-on-bone situation, every time one puts pressure on those areas, wears away bones even faster and causes constant pain. It is like scraping a jagged rock along a concrete sidewalk. Both the rock and sidewalk will deteriorate.
I have a friend who is obsessed with walking. She couldn’t understand how I could believe otherwise. Even when my knee buckled and I went down while trying to keep up with her some years ago..
And now she has had replacement of both knees and one hip (so far). And the discomfort of the rehabilitation that goes with it.
Walking is not good for everyone!
Yes, Barry, I agree with your comment and I have similar physical issues. I do keep walking, though, at a moderate pace mostly on level ground and find that walking poles help to relieve some of the pressure of gravity. I found that swimming at the local gym was a much better way to stretch and move in a weightless and warm environment. However, with COVID, the gym is not an option now. As we age, many of us have or inevitably will have reduced function/discomfort and we need to realistically adjust our exercise accordingly.
Hi Barry-
I have severe osteoarthritis. My doctor says to get out and MOVE! My Physical therapist says, “Motion is Lotion!” Yes, bone on bone is painful, but you can get some help and advice from your doctor. I too have had 2 hips replaced, one knee replaced, and one shoulder replaced because of osteoarthritis. My feet, back, and neck hurt like you wouldn’t believe, and I KNOW I wouldn’t be moving today if I didn’t go for a walk every day with my friends
wanting to get healthy
Until the Covid-19 pandemic I walked 2 Miles a day, 5 days a week. When I walk alone in the morning I can walk a mile in 15 minutes. When walking with my walking partners it takes 45 minutes to do 2 miles. I have to walk on a track. If I do concrete one of my knees seems to bother me. I think I have been introduced to Mr. Arthur. By the way I’m 77 years young Love to go to gym after my walk 3 days a week. I’m debating if I’m returning to the gym with the virus going on. Not sure it’s safe
Just had a heart attack. It just “happened”, like drowning. I was an ambulance jockey in San Francisco in the 80’s and that likely saved my life. I recognized the symptoms, even though my mind still had to go through the process of denial, and drove myself to the ER. (Don’t do that, call 911 if you’re able)
Walking is no longer optional, nor is diet.
Period.
Get a dog.