Why Walking Speed Matters in People's Health: Here's How Fast You Should Walk

How fast should you really walk?

Walking is among the basic exercises people can do since they are already doing it daily. However, walking to exercise and walking to go to your friend's house or work office are two different things.

Unlike your daily walking activity, walking to exercise your body needs to have goals. For example, you will schedule how long you'll walk and how many times each week.

Why Walking Speed Matters in People's Health: Here's How Fast You Should Walk
A person walk along the jogging path in Central Park on May 22, 2022 in New York City. Temperatures in the metro area will surpass the 90 degree mark prompting heat advisories across the region. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images

Some people even include the distance and record it to see their improvement. But, there's one thing most individuals forget: the walking speed.

Why Walking Speed Matters in People's Health

LifeHacker explained that walking is one of the most accessible exercises since it can be done without any special equipment or place. All you have to do is wear your sneakers and start walking outside.

But, you need to know that your walking speed still matters. Here are the walking speed categories:

  • Casual Walking (Easy): Less than 2 miles per hour
  • Normal Walking (Average): 2-3 miles per hour
  • Fairly Brisk Walking (Harder): 3-4 miles per hour
  • Brisk Walking (Hardest): 4 miles per hour or faster

When it comes to avoiding diabetes, a recent study revealed that people who usually walk fairly briskly were less likely to have this health condition. Those who walk briskly regularly are even less at risk.

When it comes to cardiovascular disease, strokes, and dementia, previous studies claimed that having speed faster than casual walking can help you avoid these.

For those having a hard time-saving time for exercise, they can try walking 2.5 miles per hour every day to consider having moderate exercise.

These are just some benefits you can get by knowing the right walking speed, depending on your physique and health goals. You can click here to learn more.

Benefits of Walking Daily

Why Walking Speed Matters in People's Health: Here's How Fast You Should Walk
A woman jogs past a couple walking at Princes Park on July 25, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Victoria reported seven COVID-19 deaths on July 24, the state's highest toll since the start of the pandemic. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

According to Health Line, walking is a good exercise for all ages. Walking is the most age-friendly, unlike lifting, running, swimming, and other more extreme exercises.

If you can save at least 20 to 30 minutes per day to walk, here are some of the health and body benefits you can get:

  • Your blood sugar levels will be lower.
  • Walking 30 minutes per day can improve your heart's health.
  • Walking can relieve joint pain by lubricating and strengthening the muscles that support your joints.
  • If you don't like having flu or other similar annoying diseases, walking can help you avoid them by boosting your immune system.
  • Burning calories is one of the main benefits that walking can offer.
  • If you drink coffee for extra morning energy, you can replace it by walking outside before work.
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Walking, Health
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