Walking Is Not Exercise!
Did you know that walking is NOT considered exercise? This is not just my opinion but standards set by the American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines (ACSM Guidelines). However, many people do not understand this. Which is why I made this video to help explain why…enjoy!
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Walking Is Not Exercise Video Summary
Walking is not exercise as stated by ACSM (American College Of Sports Medicine) Guidelines!
The ACSM Guidelines state that the Exercise Minimums to not be labeled as “sedentary” (without exercise) are:
ACSM’s Guidelines – Weekly Exercise Minimums:
Intensity |
% VO2 Max |
Minutes / Day |
Days / Week |
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|
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| Moderate | 40-60% | 30 min. | ≥ 5 |
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or |
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| Vigorous | 60-85% | 20 min. | ≥ 3 |
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or |
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A Combination of these 2 Intensities |
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* Williams, L., Wilkins. (2014). ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. American College of Sports Medicine. Ninth Edition. [Text]
Moderate Intensity Exercise: Running, rowing, swimming, hiking, cycling, playing sport at a pace that is it difficult to maintain a conversation.
Vigorous Intensity Exercise: Sprinting, rowing, jumping, swimming, cycling, playing sport at a pace in which you cannot maintain a conversation.
So, walking is simply not intense enough to be exercise, or a “workout”, for most healthy individuals.
Walking can be exercise for those first learning to walk or the elderly who are losing their ability to walk. However, for most of the population, you need more intensity for it to be considered an exercise routine or workout.
Of course, walking does have some benefits, such as improved blood circulation, increased insulin resistance, and it obviously burns more calories than just sitting around.
However, for those of you trying to lose weight, build muscle, get stronger, become more athletic, or reach your goals, your training needs to be done with greater intensity. Walking for exercise is just not enough!
If you are a beginner and don’t know where to start, you can start by getting my FREE Bodyweight Strength Training Guide that can give you a real workout with just a few minutes of exercise every day!
Now, go start a new challenge and take on the world!
Please leave your thoughts on “Walking For Exercise” below!