Running, cycling, and swimming are fine ways to keep fit (and enjoy an adrenaline rush), but according to a new study by researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La., you don't have to knock yourself out to keep yourself thin. In many cases, you can just walk the walk. HealthDay reports
that researchers tracked 1446 adults (with an average
age of 47.5) who wore pedometers throughout their normal day's activities. The study participants were sorted into three groups: "sedentary" (those who took fewer than
5000 steps a day), "low-to-somewhat-active" (5000 to 9999 steps a day),
and "active-to-highly active" (10,000 or more steps–five miles— a day). Bottom line: the researchers found that almost 56
percent of those who took the least steps had metabolic syndrome, but
just 13 percent of those who took the most steps had it. Overall, about a
third had metabolic syndrome. Compared to the
sedentary group, HealthDay reports, people in the "low-to-somewhat-active" group had 40
percent lower odds of developing the condition. People in the
"active-to-highly active" had a full 72 percent lower odds of developing
it. The scientists calculated that each additional 1,000 steps was associated with an 8-13
percent decrease in the odds of a large waist, in a low level of "good"
HDL cholesterol, and in high levels of triglycerides.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Sunday, June 1, 2025
This is true as we started a walking group called Kingdom Fit 3 months ago. We walk on average of 5 miles a day. All of us have lost inches in our mid section, hips, thighs, arms, etc. Our muscles are toning smoothly, cellulite is being whittled away and I am inching my way back into my size 4 clothes. I was on my way into size 8’s! There are more benefits in walking than just weight loss. We have social time together which all women need and desire. We enjoy the sunshine, listening to the birds first thing in the morning, feeling the breeze, and natural aromatherapy with all of the flowering vines, trees, and bushes in the woods as we walk. It’s a great mood stabilizer, keeps emotions in check, and gives you a great charge for the day. Drink a Lean1 shake using Silk Almond Milk, frozen fruit choices, some apple cider vinegar with mother, greens powder and a tsp of Maca powder 15 to 30 minutes before you walk and you are on your way to a 25 year old you! Just do it!
I agree. When I first started walking I noticed how much better I felt. Excess weight started melting away and my lower back problem abated. Morning walks are much better for weight loss. I actually felt a little guilty being a former sprinter. It just seemed like I should have been doing more to get the results I was getting. I mentioned to a freind that I was walking regularly and he quipped,”walking is as good as running, it just takes longer”. After many years of walking approximately five miles three days per week, I can attest that consistent brisk walking is an aspect of the fountain of youth. People who know you will see a physical change and begin commenting on your appearence. Using a positive affirmation while solitary walking is an additional powerful life enhancer to say the least.