After 40, Simply Walking Isn’t Enough to Stay fit, Experts Say-Here’s What to Add
PARIS, FRANCE – For years, walking has been touted as a cornerstone of healthy living.however, experts now say that after the age of 40, relying solely on walking may not be sufficient to maintain optimal fitness. A growing consensus among specialists emphasizes the need to supplement regular walks with varied intensity and targeted muscle-strengthening exercises to combat age-related physical decline and boost overall well-being.
As individuals enter their 40s, they begin to experience a natural loss of muscle mass and a decrease in metabolic rate. While walking remains beneficial for cardiovascular health, it often fails to provide the necessary stimulus for preserving muscle strength and preventing metabolic slowdown. this shift necessitates a more complete approach to fitness, integrating elements that challenge the body in new ways. Ignoring these changes can lead to decreased mobility, increased risk of injury, and a diminished quality of life.
Specialists recommend maintaining a regular walking routine,but with increased variety and intensity. Dr. Mikel Daniels suggests incorporating brisk walking, hill walking, and interval walking – alternating between faster and slower paces, also known as Japanese walking – to maximize cardiovascular, muscular, and metabolic benefits.
To further enhance the effectiveness of walking, some individuals are turning to tools like ankle weights, weighted vests, or backpacks. Though, sports coach Vivien Vignali stresses that the key lies in combining these efforts with targeted exercises. “Squats, lunges, calf raises, and planks are all excellent for activating muscles,” he says. vignali recommends integrating two to three muscle-strengthening sessions per week alongside daily walking, emphasizing the importance of varying intensities and listening to one’s body. “If the intensities vary, you can move every day without risk, provided you listen to your body,” he advises.
