The Importance of Movement for Health and Fitness: Beyond Just Walking

Walking is often touted as a simple and effective form of exercise with many health benefits. However, some experts argue that while walking is beneficial, it may not be enough to meet all of your fitness needs.

Melissa Boyd, a certified personal trainer and coach with Tempo, believes that walking is a baseline movement that our bodies require for basic functions like circulation and digestion. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating different types of movement into our routines for overall health and fitness.

Dr. Carl Cirino, a sports medicine surgeon, agrees that our bodies need to move in various ways to be functionally fit. He suggests activities like yoga and Pilates to work and stretch our muscles in different directions, promoting balance and stability.

To make movement a habit, Boyd recommends incorporating “exercise snacks” into your day, such as doing squats or push-ups during routine activities. Finding enjoyable forms of movement, like playing sports or dancing, can also make exercise more appealing and social.

Overall, Boyd and Cirino advocate for starting slowly and gradually building your fitness routine to create lasting habits. By incorporating diverse movements and finding activities you enjoy, you can improve your fitness while having fun and connecting with others.