There is no doubt that walking is one of the forms of physical exercise that we should incorporate into our lives, not only for the exercise itself but also for the mobility it provides to our bodies. The fitness educator and trainer Marcos Vazquez explains that just going for a walk is not sufficient exercise if our goal is to lose weight or improve our aerobic capacity or strength. Through Apple Sfera, he discusses the importance of incorporating higher intensity training that directly impacts our cardiovascular health, improving it, of course.
According to studies published in Circulation Research, Vazquez’s assertions are well-founded, and although walking is perfect exercise especially for those who have a sedentary lifestyle due to work or excessive use of public transport, it is not enough. Experts recommend finding a balance between different sports practices that keep us active. For example, as Vazquez suggests, one can combine walking outings with a couple of days of strength training and more aerobic activities. It is believed that combining different intensities is not only beneficial for physical health but also contributes to overall well-being.
Marcos Vázquez
Marcos Vazquez is known for being the author of the blog Fitness Revolucionario, which has won multiple awards. Additionally, he is the creator and host of the health and fitness podcast Radio Fitness Revolucionario, where he interviews various personalities from the fields of health, neuroscience, nutrition, biology, training, among many other topics. He has published several books such as Fitness Revolucionario, Invicto, Saludable Mente, and Chef Sapiens. He is one of the most well-known Spanish-speaking voices in the world of sports and shares his insights through his social media profiles, especially on YouTube.
What physical activity is the best?
The choice of a physical activity largely depends on the preferences of the person practicing it. The different existing options range from softer and more static activities to more aerobic and higher-impact ones. That’s why it’s not very useful to classify them as better or worse; it will always depend on the athlete’s abilities and preferences.
However, science does explain the effects of different types of training on the body, which makes it easier to choose based on our needs. The communicator Marcos Vazquez highlights how beneficial it can be to go for a walk. It is a habit that we should all adopt, as aside from sports activity, it is a routine that keeps us active in the face of an increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
What does science say?
Both Vazquez and the studies published in Circulation Research advocate the same principle: the benefits of going for a walk are numerous, but if the goal is to improve strength, control our weight, and increase aerobic capacity, it is necessary to practice a sport that requires greater intensity. In addition, high-intensity workouts burn more calories in less time compared to going for a walk. According to experts, the trick is to maintain a balance with different types of training and intensities. One can alternate the habit of walking with several days of strength training and aerobic activities that get our circulatory system working.
Changes in lifestyle
We are increasingly leading a more sedentary life due to static jobs or excessive use of public transport. We have become accustomed and hardly use our bodies to move, which is very bad news. That is why it is vital to incorporate at least 40 minutes of physical exercise into our daily routine, to mobilize the body and stretch the muscles that, after so many hours of sitting, need to be oxygenated and kept strong in order to maintain healthy mobility.