Your walking speed could indicate how healthy you are
| Jul 12, 2019, 15:07 IST
Walking is an aerobic physical activity almost everyone can do even if you aren't a fitness fanatic. There are many health benefits to gain from walking on a regular basis. Now,experts say it can also indicate whether or not you are healthy.
Walking at a fast pace could mean that your body is in good condition and able to function well. "If you're walking faster, you have better core musculature, balance and endurance, which can indicate good cardiovascular health," Naresh Rao, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine practising at Sports Medicine at Chelsea in New York City, told a news portal. "So it's reasonable to think if you can walk faster, then you're generally in better shape."
The speed at which you walk may also be able to indicate how long you will live and how quickly you can recover from an injury. "As gait speed declines, risk for mortality increases," Christina M. Dieli-Conwright, PhD, certified strength and conditioning specialist, an assistant professor of research with University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, told a news portal. Adding, "As soon as individuals start to have a decline in gait speed, it's a strong indicator that they're losing physical function and they're losing overall health."
However, Rao stated walking slowly doesn't always mean your unhealthy, but picking up the pace a little can only benefit you in the long run.
A brisk pace can help you achieve the following, according to theMayo Clinic:
* Ensure you maintain a weight that is healthy
* Reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease and high levels of blood pressure
* Make sure your bones and muscle are strong
* Helps to make your mood better
Walking at a fast pace could mean that your body is in good condition and able to function well. "If you're walking faster, you have better core musculature, balance and endurance, which can indicate good cardiovascular health," Naresh Rao, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine practising at Sports Medicine at Chelsea in New York City, told a news portal. "So it's reasonable to think if you can walk faster, then you're generally in better shape."
The speed at which you walk may also be able to indicate how long you will live and how quickly you can recover from an injury. "As gait speed declines, risk for mortality increases," Christina M. Dieli-Conwright, PhD, certified strength and conditioning specialist, an assistant professor of research with University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, told a news portal. Adding, "As soon as individuals start to have a decline in gait speed, it's a strong indicator that they're losing physical function and they're losing overall health."
However, Rao stated walking slowly doesn't always mean your unhealthy, but picking up the pace a little can only benefit you in the long run.
A brisk pace can help you achieve the following, according to theMayo Clinic:
* Ensure you maintain a weight that is healthy
* Reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease and high levels of blood pressure
* Make sure your bones and muscle are strong
* Helps to make your mood better