Walking is a great way to improve your overall health, and it can be especially beneficial for your heart. Studies have shown that walking can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
The answer depends on a few factors, including your age, fitness level, and current health status. However, most adults will need to walk at a brisk pace to get the most out of their workout.
The Benefits of Walking Speed for Heart Health
Walking can help improve your heart health in a number of ways. It can:
How Fast Do You Need to Walk to Get These Benefits?
To get the most out of your walking for heart health, you should aim to walk at a brisk pace. A brisk pace is one that allows you to talk in short sentences without getting out of breath.
If you’re not sure how fast you’re walking, you can use a pedometer or fitness tracker to track your steps. A brisk pace is generally considered to be 10,000 steps per day.
How to Determine Your Ideal Walking Pace
If you’re new to walking or you’re not sure what your ideal walking pace is, you can start by walking at a comfortable pace and gradually increase your speed over time.
A good way to gauge your pace is to talk to someone while you’re walking. If you can talk in short sentences without getting out of breath, then you’re walking at a brisk pace.
The Best Ways to Increase Your Walking Speed
If you want to increase your walking speed, there are a few things you can do:
Related Article: 8 Heart Health Exercises You Can Do Right Now
Tips for Walking Safely
When you’re walking for your heart’s health, it’s important to walk safely. Here are a few tips:
FAQs
The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. This can be broken up into shorter sessions, such as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week.
If you can’t walk at a brisk pace, you can still get some benefits from walking. Start by walking at a comfortable pace and gradually increase your speed over time. You can also try walking shorter distances or adding walking intervals to your workouts.
If you have health problems, talk to your doctor before starting a walking program. They can help you create a safe and effective plan.
