There are many types of exercise that we can partake in today, from high intensity interval training to olympic weightlifting. Each type of training brings a plethora of different benefits. An exercise that we hardly hear about today is walking. Walking may be the most underrated exercise in the world! Walking is known as a low intensity, steady state exercise, otherwise known as LISS. LISS exercises utilize free fatty acids in the body, rather than glycogen. Glycogen is found in the muscles and is used as fuel for moderate-vigorous activities. Humans obtain their glycogen stores from carbohydrates. Free fatty acids, on the other hand, are stored fat. This is the fuel that LISS exercise use. What this means is that low intensity, steady state exercise, such as walking, utilizes stored fat, making this exercise an amazing tool for fat loss!
Walking is a great alternative for those just starting out on a workout program or who have a hard time with high impact exercise, such as running, plyometrics, and the like. In addition to burning fat, walking helps to keep people active, which decreases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. Lastly, studies have shown that physical activity improves mood, body image, and even sleep!
The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week . To make it easier to remember, 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If you can't find 30 minutes out of your day, you can break up your exercise into three 10 minute bouts.
