Walking is also an effective form of exercise that has many benefits for health. Its advantage lies in its gentle and low-impact movements, which do not require excessive energy consumption and are very safe. So, is walking considered aerobic exercise?
Is Walking Aerobic Exercise?
Yes, walking is considered aerobic exercise.
Walking is not easily affected by the environment, whether indoors or outdoors, as long as you stick to it, you can do it. Like jogging, walking can strengthen the body, enhance the immune system, and quickly burn calories. It is a typical aerobic exercise.
What are the Ways of Aerobic Walking?
Brisk Walking
Brisk walking involves moderate strides and a relatively fast pace, covering about 200 meters in 1 minute. It can strengthen the heart and respiratory function, improve overall physical fitness, and also regulate mental state. Additionally, it can help relieve nervous tension.
Strolling
Unlike brisk walking, strolling is a very casual exercise. When strolling, the pace is slower and energy consumption is minimal. A speed of approximately 30 meters per minute is sufficient. Strolling can promote blood circulation, enhance heart health, improve blood vessel elasticity, lower blood sugar and blood pressure, and improve digestion.
Barefoot Walking
Long-term barefoot walking exercises the muscles, ligaments, acupoints, and nerves on the soles of the feet, stimulating and regulating the overall function of the body. It effectively promotes physical and mental health.
What are the Benefits of Walking for the Body?
Benefits of Slow Walking
1. Slow walking can enhance overall blood circulation, strengthen the contraction ability of the heart muscles, and dilate blood vessels, thus reducing vascular spasms and preventing various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In addition, slow walking also promotes increased lung capacity and ensures smooth functioning of the respiratory system. Furthermore, slow walking has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.
2. Slow walking can effectively exercise the lower limbs, improve joint sensitivity, and significantly enhance lower limb muscle and ligament strength, thereby improving lower limb motor skills.
3. Walking leisurely can relieve stress, relax the brain, and provide rest and adjustment for the body and mind. The psychological pleasure and relaxation of slow walking can greatly promote physical health. At the same time, slow walking can effectively improve blood circulation, providing the brain with more blood supply and resulting in clearer thinking.
Benefits of Brisk Walking
1. Brisk walking consumes more calories than slow walking, effectively promotes metabolism, accelerates blood circulation, and can burn more fat.
2. Moreover, brisk walking, unlike running, does not require excessive jumping, so it does not cause significant damage to the body.
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Walking?
1. Before exercising, it is advisable to relax and stretch the body, allowing each part of the body, such as the legs and feet, to loosen up. Ensure stable and smooth breathing to prepare for the upcoming exercise. If time permits, warm-up exercises can be done before walking.
2. When walking, the pace should be gentle and unhurried, avoiding rushing. Light and agile steps can promote smooth circulation of qi and blood throughout the body, harmonize the various meridians, and achieve good exercise results.
3. Walking exercises should be gradually increased, based on one's own physical condition, to determine the duration and distance of walking.
