Walk, Run- Same Benefit

At 96 years old Mary Ann Smith is a feat to be reckoned with. She credits her longevity, in part, to keeping on the move.
"I try to walk every morning after breakfast. I go three times around our building which, they say, is about a mile," says Smith.
Good news for walkers: studies show they get many of the same benefits as runners. They just have to walk more to get them. While runners expend twice the energy, slow-movers are rewarded too.
"Definitely, I mean I think that most of us, when we exercise we feel better. Whether it's because it relieves some natural endorphins that are your body's natural pain killers or the fact that you feel positive about the fact that you are doing something," says Kath Kinross, PhD physical therapy with Lee Memorial Health System.
Experts find walking boosts energy, helps cardiovascular fitness and also increases bone strength. Something that becomes more important as we age. When it comes to older women, walking can be a weapon against osteoporosis.
"It's that sort of repetitive stress that actually creates more calcium, more bone being laid down," says Kinross.
Running or walking, both deliver results by increasing strength and stamina.
"There are two very distinct, different types of exercise. There are weight bearing exercises, including walking, where you're just basically transmitting weight through your skeleton," says Kinross.
It may be just the thing for people who aren't worried about getting anywhere, fast.
"Oh yes, I've walked quite a bit during my lifetime," says Smith.
View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/
Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we've been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.
Visit leememorial.org

[@shravanitambe9312]

I love walking....

[@notme-mc9jh]

Right. Connect my earbuds and I can walk for miles:)

[@Homemovies1989]

Love walking, but hate when random muggles wave/talk as I walk by.

[@vanguard4065]

Plains of Dura thats me doing that piss you off and i love it

[@supercatforever]

What a piece of shit you are. Go walk in the jungle bitch

[@colleentherealtor7564]

God Bless this beautiful woman. I'm a walking fanatic and I hope to still be moving as good as this gem in my later years.

[@braingames1326]

I walk 4 miles a day sometimes 2 miles

[@TheFlyingFishy]

Not just walking, speed walking..

[@dredre1874]

I was homeless with no car for about a month, i lost about 22 pounds while still eating whatever i wanted with absolutely no running just occasional heavy bag work at the gym and calisthenics done in a hot tub

[@fgfg633]

And you won't mess up your knees.

[@fgfg633]

@PerrySport I learned this the hard way. Now I just walk. I love walking--I can walk for miles per day. Besides the positive physical aspect, it's psychologically so important for me.

[@monopolybillionaire5027]

I like walking but hate people, asking I see you walking everywhere.

[@chetanlv8535]

Yes ur correct I also like walking

[@bench-xpress]

it's all in your head brother. Get out and walk all you like.

[@cool_blue6422]

by a treadmill than

[@vanguard4065]

i do a 10 min walk after breakfast lunch and dinner

[@Carolina_Panthers145]

I do it every day

[@tjgrafiks]

How do u exercise or walk when they cause more pain in my body😩

[@Elvathar]

Have you ever I mean ever regretted a walk in nature?

[@aimeethomson7806]

Why

[@aimeethomson7806]

Flossy look

[@aimeethomson7806]

...mist biscuit for bit