For some people, walking may be the only form of physical activity that is accessible, affordable, and realistic. Luckily, experts say it’s considered enough to be healthy.
Is Walking Enough Physical Activity?
According to Benjamin Bengs, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and Director of Special Surgery at the Center for Hip and Knee Replacement at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, walking alone may be sufficient. However, a more rigorous workout may be important to maintain “adequate quality of life and health” for younger people or people who tend to be more active.
“If all you can do is walk, then that’s what you should do,” he said. “But if you’re able to squeeze in some alternative things like the elliptical or stationary bicycles, those are good additions.”
Tracy Zaslow, MD, primary care sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, told Verywell that walking may be considered enough to be healthy. “Walking is a great activity, and it’s accessible to such a wide variety of the population. You don’t need any special equipment, facilities, skills, or training,” Zaslow said. “Plus, you can make adjustments to make it more advanced or intense over time.”
Ideally, adults should also do muscle-strengthening exercises such as push-ups and weight-lifting at least two days a week. For older adults, the WHO recommends varied types of physical activity three or more days a week that focus on balance and strength.2 This can help prevent falls as you age.