Why Walking Is The Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had with Professor Shane O’Mara | FBLM Podcast
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- čas přidán 19. 11. 2019
- When was the last time you gave any real thought to walking? It’s so easy to put one foot in front of the other. Yet this unique, underrated activity sets us apart from other species, and brings incredible advantages - yes, superpowers - if we do it enough.
My guest on this week’s podcast is the neuroscientist Shane O’Mara, a professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College Dublin. After reading his remarkable new book, In Praise of Walking: The New Science of How We Walk And Why It’s Good For Us, I couldn’t wait to talk to him about the topics it raises. Shane has always been a keen walker and aims to clock 15,000 to 17,000 steps each day on his pedometer. But as we discuss, the positive effects of walking go way beyond the fitness benefits we all know about.
Walking helps more than our hearts and lungs, our muscles and posture, yet modern, sedentary lives mean we’re doing far less of it than nature intended. It can increase creativity and problem solving, lift our mood and protect us from depression. Shane reveals how it helps learning, memory and cognition and how it can slow and even reverse the functional ageing of the brain. All this science, he hopes, will help convince town planners and public health officials that we must redesign our environments with pedestrians in mind.
This is such an enlightening conversation and I know you’ll gain some fascinating new perspectives on how you could (and why you should) fit more walking into your life. Why not head out for a stroll as you listen?
Show notes available at: drchatterjee.com/84
Find out more about Shane:
Website - shaneomara.com/
Twitter - / smomara1
Book - In Praise of Walking: The New Science of How We Walk And Why It’s Good For Us amzn.to/2OoJqJq
Dr Chatterjee’s resources:
• Podcast episode 46 Making Movement Easier with Chris Boardman • Making Movement Easier...
• Podcast episode 79 How Running Can Transform Your Life with Sanjay Rawal • Why We Have Got Runnin...
• Podcast episode 35 Why Depression Isn’t All In The Mind with Professor Edward Bullmore • Why Depression Isn’t A...
#feelbetterlivemore #shaneomara #walking
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Find Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillars of Health in The 4 Pillar Plan available via amzn.to/2yGfpuB
The US version, How to Make Disease Disappear is available via amzn.to/2Gj1YEL
Order Dr Chatterjee’s book The Stress Solution amzn.to/2MZ8u8h
Dr Chatterjee’s NEW book Feel Better in 5 is out now - amzn.to/2G0XK7l
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Listen to all previous podcast episodes on drchatterjee.com/podcast or via these podcast platforms by searching for 'Feel Better, Live More'.
iTunes - itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
Acast - www.acast.com/feelbetterlivemore
Stitcher - stitcher.com/podcast/feel-bet...
Overcast - overcast.fm/itunes1333552422/...
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/6NyPQfc...
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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. - Věda a technologie
I'm 85....been walking for more than 45 years. Now 5 x a week....3 mile stretch. And I am young!
That's awesome!!!! You inspire me to keep moving!!!!!
Wow! I always work to work, and I'll up my game. Thank you for the inspiration. ❤
Wow
But ur spouse must be old
U should marry a young girl
my grandpa is 82 and seems to constantly be going to the hospital now with issues. Whatever you are doing keep it up! Living a sedentary life seems to kill us faster.
Very inspiring Mel Thank you for your motivation, im going for a walk! 👍😉
I'm 69, and I find walking a great way to keep depression at bay. I also find it a way to forget your aches and pains. Getting old, especially if we have health issues, means more time to sit and worry about every little ache or pain.
I can have aching bones, but find once I get walking I stop thinking about the pains. After suffering heart failure and now walking 10 to 12 klms a day has made me feel much better than I did ten years ago!
I started walking about a month now started off at 5miles and now up to about 9 miles, I'm 53 years old, and walk for health reasons, what age did you take up walking?
Man, I'm walking now.... Have heart failure and pains from years and years of soccer. I walk 4 or 5 miles a day but it takes 1 mile for the pains from the past to dissipate. Ef recovered from 20 to 55. Live for the day
are you sure you walk 10-12 km a day? That is exceptional fit for one go walking. but I expect you do it intermittently over the whole day.
@@lawcch that’s not a long walk? My mum is 67 and averages 25,000 steps a day now she’s retired.
Walks absolutely everywhere.
No health issues at all.
@@GolfingInParadise783 there is no benefits going more than 12.000 steps a day according too science
Amazing. I am 82, almost 83 years old. I walk every day no matter what the weather is, about 3 miles. I truly believe it's keeping me fit and my brain active. Well said Professor Shane O’Mara.
Wow!amazing!❤
I am 78 and also walk 3 miles every day. It keeps me very fit and healthy.
@@johnhammond6423 Me too. 77, and about 2 mi a day. My goal is minimum 25 minutes at a good pace. Works good, cuz on my route is a good 7 deg slope 100 foot climb. Gets the quads working
I had curvy female looking hips, but that is not good when you are a guy. But after getting up to 82km per week on my treadmill, this brisk walking 2 1/2 hours a day, six days a week, changed my appearance dramatically. I even ended up with six pack abs.
I'm jealous!
I walked for 8 months last year 3 times a week each walk was 4.5 to 5 miles. My cholesterol went from 218 to 174 and I lost 30 pounds. I’m 52 years old
Good job. Age 77 6 months went from a rather soft 176 to current 160-1. don't want to lose any more, lol. 5 walks a week, average about 2.5 km, or 1.6 miles.. then 15 mins exercise at home, Chins and pushups.
You must have adjusted your diet. Exercise builds strength, does little for weight loss.
@@elizabethk3238 I can assure you that weight training will cause you to lose fat better than almost any other activity. In my late 30's I was starting to plump out, and did the 2 day split workout and my only cardio was 5 mins skip rope after done with weights. I dropped about 15 lbs in less than 4 months, and my mid section was a six pack that would make Charles Bronson jealous. I was rock solid hard.. and pushing 40. Diet? I just didn't over eat, and kept the carbs at a decent level
@@elizabethk3238 ???????
Lets suppose I walk 8 miles a day at 4 mph. (I do!!). At my weight I am burning 95 calories /mile, or 760 calories/day walking
Obviously, if I keep eating the same, and quit walking my body is going to store those 760 calories in the form of fat, and I will gain weight
I’ve walked 3 miles 5 X weekly for years. Never lost a lb. For ten years prior, I ran 3 miles a day and was at my lowest weight in my life
IMO walking keeps me fit but has no impact on my weight
I walked 1200 miles up the U.K. for my 70th birthday. Last year I walked 500 miles across Northern Spain at the age of 71. This year I was going to walk 300 up Wales but I broke my ankle fishing. I eat one low carb meal a day and now I don’t drink alcohol. I also meditate and journal each day to build mental resilience that supports long distance walking. My aim in life is to walking over mountains in my 90s
@@Grybyx good for you mate😊👍
So incredibly inspiring, I am 63 and hope to one day walk the Camino
At age 42, I had traumatic injuries in july of 2016 while playing tennis and weighing at about 300 lbs. My pelvis was shattered into pieces and I had to have two major surgeries and in 2017 I had a total hip replacement. But still, I couldn't walk for 5 years. Had to use a cane. In may 2021 I started to be able to walk without anything and in september 2021 I challenged myself to walk or move 30 minutes a day, no distances, just move for 30 minutes. After 30 days, I was feeling better so I decided to go for 100 day challenge. Everyday, no excuses, -30 or +30 degrees, sun, rain, snow and wind. When I got to 100 I knew I just couldn't stop cause despite the fact I had sequelae I was witnessing my body change completely from head to toes to my brain and now walking was becoming the medicine I really needed and never knew how powerful the benefits could be so it was a no brainer for me to keep on going no matter what. When I arrive at DAY #365 I knew I wouldn't stop so I kept on going and I was 200lbs. My 71 year old mom was at 204 lbs at 5foot2 and she started walking with me in last september and today, my mom just walked her 234th day walking and she is now at 145lbs !! I never thought I could have a positive influence on my mom like that. My counter stopped abruptly january 31st of this year and my hip popped out (Not due to walking) and since then I had 2 surgeries, I have a new a much bigger total hip replacement and while writting this, the tears are streaming down my face since I can't walk and I'm in bed 24/7. The only thing I know, is that NOTHING will stop me from walking again each and everyday until the day that I die. Now, I eat fruits and veggies and nuts, legumes and olive oil and if it wasn't for my surgeries lately, my body is in better shape and health overall than when I was 18 years old. Walking 5km or more everyday and eating the best fuel for my body and brain. I also take cold showers or ice bath everyday and I do 4 cycles or breathing exercises made famous by the Wim Hof Breathing Method or technique. Can't wait to put my shoes back on and go get my most powerful medecine. I hope my story inspires just 1 person and I will happy ! The key to it all is CONSISTENCY, not distance. Just walking enough so you don't need a 3 day break to recuperate. Just listen to your body, sometimes it'll be 3km and sometimes 5km and sometimes 2 or 4 or 7 or 8 but whatever the distance, respect your limits so you can be consistent everyday. Have a journal where you write down day 001 + the temperature and how much you walked that day and then write down a note underneath just saying how you felt or how you feel now or and event that happened during your walk, a beautiful tree, birds singing, anything you want. Try this for 30 days and see what happens after your 30th walk. I wish you all the best. Bekindfornoreason ☺✌💫
I wish you all the best healing ❤
I pray you are back walking far sooner than expected! Keep visualizing your goal accomplished!
Your post made me cry. You are an inspiration. Lord, I lift up Jaden to you and ask that you heal him and give him the gift of walking once again, in Jesus' name, Amen.
This was so incredibly inspirational.
Very inspiring. Thanks
I am 75, never had a car or motorcycle, walk everywhere except for long distance travel, I can still run up stairs with ease, when people know my age they can't believe it. Never been inside a gym either, I worked in engineering and did plenty of lifting every day. Just keep moving, you don't have to run...And get yourself a decent diet..
What’s your diet like?
@@ayisha782 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2002, I am 68 years old, and I’m supposed to inject a drug, weekly, to control the inflammation in my joints.
I have always been a deep thinker about why things happen and how we can change things, so after discussions with my Rheumatologist, started to experiment with the length of time between injections and I’ve done this for a number of years.
I’ve also experimented with diet and what I eat.
I have recently started a new experiment with my diet that means I have cut out, sugar, in all forms, but not fruit sugar, and I don’t eat any processed foods.
I am now in the longest period between injections, nearly at three months, and I’m hoping the injections have finished.
I also realised years ago that the secret to being fit and well is to keep moving and walking is the best way to do this.
Whatever function your body has disappears if you stop using it so don’t stop moving.
@@kevinjewitt6347 I absolutely agree with you about experimenting for yourself. I was having bad joint pain and nodules on my finger joints (like my mom and gran). I had a doc ask me if I ate many nightshade veggies. That was all I ate during certain garden seasons. I went off them completely for 2 months and the inflammation got much better and the nodules went away except a tiny one. "Cheating" and eating even a bit will result in joint pain. Some people can eat certain things and some can't. The "experts" pooh-pooh this but I'm for noticing how my body responds to diet (and walking, which I do every day) and making adjustments. Each person is unique and may be a statistical outlier that the experts don't catch.
Walking is lot cheaper than gym membership and has the aesthetic element if you walk in the countryside.
He is right about running. Long term, the stress on your joints creates many issues. I ran for about 40 years with coaching and can attest to his. I now walk daily for about an hour. Sometimes, I will walk for about 2 or 3 hours.
Is there a safe way to run?
@@dtla5052 From my experience & humble research online, the best results on the long term will come with interval running (high speed but only 10 or 15sec). Repeating this 5 or 6 times with 10 sec breaks in between. The other thing i've read is that as soon as you're huffing & puffing and keeping that state for long running periods, the body will actually switch to burning glucose first (instead of fat) because it will be in flight or fright mode. I had massive cravings after running and after learning that info, it made total sense. When staying underneath the huff & puff level while brisk walking and keeping this state for 30mn / 45mn or more, the body will focus on burning fat so walking daily is actually better for weight loss (on top of all the other massive benefits mentioned in the show above ) I walk daily since 2 years & it has changed my life! Chris
@@metaldance_ thanks for the info. I too love walking. Always been a walker. I'm now in my early 30s and I'm starting to go on runs. But I already have a bad knee from a football injury. I been exercising, heavy squats/deadlifts for years. I always avoid running. I'm starting to now focus more on calisthenic(body weight) workouts and running. Just 2-3 miles twice a week for now
You overdid a great thing
Me to, i walk from one to three hours a day, good luck, carry on the good work.
I have been walking or running most of my life. Also, resistance training with weights, bands or bodyweight exercise at least 3 times a week. I am 82 and healthy. No doctors and no meds. I am not concerned about dying. I am concerned with quality of life. So far, so good. Enjoyed the video. Thank You.
I used to substitute teach in a grade school. The classes were large, usually about 30 children, and lots of work to cover in short order. Inevitably, the children would become rambunctious, but as soon as I noticed, even though we couldn’t go outside for a walk per se, I would stop whatever we were doing, tell the kids to stand up next to their desks, and have them perform simple movement plus breathing exercises for about one or two minutes. It always worked beautifully. The other trick I employed was turning off the artificial light and using some fresh air via cracked or open windows. Fresh air, sunlight, and a bit of natural movement fixes many things.
Good advice 👍
Yes!!
Society is broken. This is how all life should be.
@simoneambroise6392 IMO we need to flip the system. Vote to end money. If that is possible. Working for a piece of paper. Working to be taxed. Let's just change everything.
PR: Walking creates closer relationships with your own body and others...
My husband and I have been walking dogs twice a day for 40 years.....still talking and walking together ❤
I haven't been able to walk for over a year now due to long covid. My lungs just can't recover. I miss it very much.
I am starting to worry it is chronic. I sit in a chair almost 95% of the day. I am going to another specialist in May.
I always liked the fact that I could walk anywhere I wanted to and walk for hours. Now I have to think about what I can do while in the kitchen for 2 min. before I am out of breath. I plan ahead. It is very frustrating.
Anyone who can walk, please do so. You never know when you can't anymore. I don't even know if my ability will return, and I am only 62. Keep walking. It is a gift.
Hope your specialist was able to help you.
Please search for long Covid and brain retraining on CZcams many people are healing from this with neuroplasticity. You can recover.
I hope things got better for you? I've just got over covid myself. Take care!
@@becky2235 thank you. I wish I could say it did improve bit in my case it hasn't. Yet. I try to exercise, though. As in walking around puttering a few minutes at a time. Not much hope.
I've been watching (and practicing) CZcams doctors teaching fasting. Many talk of how the body "resets." Some speak about it speeds healing, improves the immune system, takes away pain. Check out Jason Fung, Prada Jamnadas, Mindy Pelz, Valter Longo.
It frankly amazes me that more therapists and doctors don't encourage regular walking as stress release practice. Most never even mention it.
They’re focused on handing out chemicals. And their patients love it.
That's because they don't benefit from you being healthy
Mine did, she said a 30 mn walk a day is one of the best cures for depression. So that's what i'm doing, but more heading towards 60 mn a day. But she's being modest, because she has been a great help too...
My psychiastrist always checks if I am exercising, and most of that is walking, because of the importance of how it influences/helps mental health. I've become limited in my walking ability due to lower back issues and I miss it, so much!, - the ability to walk several miles a day! straight. Now it's about 10 minutes at a time then my leg goes numb. Am working on trying to get the problem solved. I am 78.
In my experience most do! It gets ignored. I know because I’ve done it.
I walk 10-13 thousand steps daily and it’s really not difficult. It was difficult at the beginning but now after two years, it’s my habit or I can call it addiction. It’s very helpful for good health.
so how many hours a day do you work and how many hours to you spend on your family?
@@MrYorickJenkins It takes only about 90 minutes (1.5) hours . I still have 22.5 hours to sleep in and work. It’s not whole day. Secondly, the 90 minute walk helped me to reverse the pre diabetes and high blood pressure condition without making appointments with doctor and this is free . I work 8 hours and sleep for about 7 hours. Beside all these hours I think I still have plenty time for family and friends.
@@mirzamanmirzaman1482 something wrong with my or your steps calculation 13 thousand steps takes WAY longer than 90 minutes. With the steps I take I need about 3 hours to complete 13 k steps
@@MrYorickJenkins looks like you spend more time at home. If you start walking you will get the same mileage or even better.
@@mirzamanmirzaman1482 I walk on average 45 minutes a day not remotely even half of 13k steps. the figures you give are totally unreal
At 72 I don't walk for fun, I walk to get my work done. 15973 steps today.
I didn’t appreciate the fact that I was able to walk easily and without pain and now I can’t I realise how amazing it is…😔
I really enjoyed this conversation. At the end of the podcast you talk about listening to podcasts etc whilst walking. Why? Listen instead to the environment you walk in. The birdsong, sound of streams, the swish of your feet in long grass, wind in the branches of trees. This is beautiful, and a great stimulus for imaginary intellectual thought. The sound of nature is so important and by being aware of it you also become part of it.
If you happen to have nature available to you. Sometimes all you have is a podcast to drown the noise of your surroundings (buildings, cars, etc) or conversations in a gym. I agree that nothing beats what you described.
I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure recently. I used to walk about 8 km, but now, with the breathless problem, l walk 4 or 5 km in nice weather( not raining). I am turning 82, soon.
Most of us have the curse of living in dense, poorly planned, vehicle-friendly cities. No birdsong here.
I enjoy podcast when I walk or something a quiet walk. Do whatever you want to that keeps you moving 😊
Thats what my daily walk to work is. Through a little forest with all birds singing...
Blessed am I❤. Greetings from germany
True! All the seniors I know that walk everyday are the healthiest.
Walking helps with depression/sadness/anxiety, its the only thing I did when I experienced a tough time before. after walking everything feels better.
Yes,I didn't get depressed after having to leave a bad marriage ,walking every day kept my mental health stable.
I am the only person at work ( I’m in the health field) that walks during my lunch hour and I actually bring a backpack and do my grocery shopping at lunch - i exercise and get things done! I don’t know why more people don’t do this!!!!
They want to eat lunch.
always love getting the shopping done during work hours!
I joined a walking group in 2022 in my new neighbourhood for retired or part time working women and men. I am 57 and I was impressed by the organizer who seemed in her early 70's. To my surprise she is 88 years old. She told me that she started walking in her 50's and she has been walking since then every single day, winter and summer. We live in Canada and winter is harsh here. Also, my husband who is 60 years; changed his job in 2022. The new job requires him to walk 14 km on a daily basis. He has never felt better since he started this new job. We are never too old to start a new job or to start walking on a regular basis.
Is your husband a postman? I can't think of another job that would require so much walking in a day.
@@MsHafekasi_no... he's a bus conductor.
Walking is a very complex yet so simple process to understand. I have stopped talking to everyone about my walking experience since twenty years when a masai woman almost eighty years approached me in the plains of masai Mara. She had walked forty five kilometers from one of her son’s house walking to another son’s house still twenty kilometers away.
I learnt on that day how much we have slowed and the true potential of walking.
Wow! I'm so inspired by the comments of the age 70+ people on this thread. Walking has multiple benefits for mind, brain, body and soul! My best ideas and inspiration arise when I am out walking! Thank you to these two wonderful gentlemen.
Love and light to all❤
I'm 63 years old and walk 6 km per day. I walk at a very fast pace and every time I complete 1 km I jog for 30 seconds then back to the fast pace walk. Elevate my heart rate for the 30 second jog then bring it back down a bit with the walk. I believe this is a great way to create a strong heart. My resting rate is normally around 58 BPM.
That's nice to know superior being. Thanks
Wonderful!!
Walking has always been the thing to do for me to relax the brain, get rid of stress, and keep my legs and heart healthy! ...
when I am stressed I wander and it helps me . I keep walking till I am tired and point of no return. Then I hire a cab and go back to my place.
Walking isn’t enough for keeping your heart healthy unless you’re like 90
@@deepaklegaldeepak😂Same, I keep thinking about that TAXI!
@@martinlutherkingjr.5582 Says who?
@@kstarrify Black people
Walking with my dog gives me a chance to think clearly and we both benefit from the exercise
You'll get just as much benefit without the dog
Walking is way better with a dog. I go miles with my three .
@@shapiro9640 just your opinion, they're a bloody nuisance
@@shapiro9640 Yep, also a dog makes sure you don't flake out on your commitment to walking every day. I call mine my personal trainer.
It's something of a "forced exercise program," but you can always choose your attitude about it. BTW, it ok to drive the dog to the walking route.
….doesn’t cost you a penny! You do it in your pace! Came across this clip on CZcams almost three years ago and it changed my life totally. This lady was mentioning that, “ when your body says “ NO “, stiff, numb, mad, angry and depressed , go out for a walk. “ I used her words and worked for me very well.
I, 64, walk 5 to 6 miles every day, sometimes two times...helps with depression and anxiety, especially if i have a dog with me...
I was once walking through the beautiful Spanish countryside with a large group of friends - a mixture of young and older men and young and older women. We were relaxed and chatting and enjoying ourselves. Then somebody spotted that we had wandered into a field with a herd of cows in it - Spanish cows have large and handsome horns and a very much more aggressive mindset than English cows. They had bunched up and faced out and were snorting so we felt tense but decided it would be shorter to go on and get out of the field. About five minutes later we were across the cattlegrid and feeling more relaxed.
However, from before the time we felt in danger to immediately after it, I could see that the order that people were walking in had completely changed and I hadn't noticed when. We had gone from being a strung-out group of random friends into a perfect defensive formation: at the front in line ahead were the youngest males; behind them in a bunch were mature males . Behind them in a bunch were the females with the youngest ones in the middle and behind them were the oldest males, in line.
I hadn't noticed the cows: I only saw the defensive formation and wondered what had caused it. There was no talking, no orders and yet that formation happened immediately without anybody except me consciously noticing it. I would say by instinct.
I'm sure the cows noticed it though.
How do you know nobody else noticed it?
Fantastic example & visual. Thank you.
Some New England cows once chased me out of their pasture at a run. Guess they value their privacy
What an experience that was..ty for sharing this.
COOL!
I am 74 and have been thought of as a curiosity because I deliberately walk three or four miles a day. Some have even theorized that I have a screw loose. To be outside, watch the sky, listen to the birds, feel the wind on my face, a tramp about quite happily. I almost always take the stairs, elevators make me feel claustrophobic. I survived Covid isolation because I strapped on a mask and took long walks, enjoying the benefits of movement and cloud gazing, and engaging with God in prayer. My mother was a life long walker, and I used to go on long walks with her. Special times with few distractions. She walked until 91 tears of age, then fell and fractured her hip. She could not walk again, because of the long rehabilition, lost her muscle tone, and quickly deteriorated after that. She passed away at 93. Her father was a life long walker too, being an English immigrant he walked with his daughter to the public library 3 miles each way. It was the highlight of her week. Love this subject. Thanks for speaking out in favor of us who love a nice long walk without being considered a weirdo.
👍
All good except for the mask.
Well I know who is the more intelligent from those who do little walking. Been out with my daughters dogs walking in the local park. Squirrel running across the ground to the tree so I stopped and talked to it as it went up the trunk . It stopped and I quietly told it how lovely it was. It was watching me for sure. Why, who knows but for me it was a lovely moment.
If your poor mother didn’t walk she wouldn’t of fallen and broke her hip and perhaps still be alive today
I'm your age, live on the 8th floor, and only take the elevator (up or down), if I have heavy bags.
Walking is very therapeutic for me. You get to really take in the environment, live in the now. Staying active into older age is key for mindfulness and overall health
I knew a 103 year old woman who walked at least a mile each day until she could not. She also cooked fresh food, for health. She passed at 107 years, no prescription drugs, ever!
It can get boring though.
@@emh8861 look at the world through “child like eyes” lots of miracles around to take in
Love this , I must be getting old !
@@craigallday1236 we are all getting older each day 🙏🏼
33:45 I love this. How good it can be! Even if you are older, have no money or anything like that you can still walk. No complicated or expensive thing needed
I added a weighted vest to my walks. Game changing is an understatement.
I got a real neat 150 foot hill climb on one of my routes (I have 3, one is2.2 miles and the lazy route is 2.2 km.)
Harder to walk fast? Or...?
I would walk my dog back in my mid 20’s when I had depression and I noticed it made me happy… fast forward 10 years. And I got a white Labrador when I was 33…. We would go hiking 3-5 days a week from June (his first b day still present I’m 38…. And yes walking/hiking is a great way to physically and mentally work things out
I truly believe this is the one best exercise for humans. It is what we evolved to do naturally
Im in my 30’s and discovered how good walking is during covid times- now i walk daily and feel so much better in every way.
After years of non-stop travel I finally realized that buying a modest home in guarded and gated community with very little traffic 20+ years ago turns out to be perfect for me in retirement. Living in a very unwalkable city with plenty of crime this has afforded me the option to get my 10,000 steps in at any time of day or night, something that has changed my life in so many positive ways.
You can buy a modest home in a gated community? I thought they were all expensive...
I suppose it's relative.. What you mean by modest
So you're saying that you need money to stay healthy?
Loved this. I’m 60. I’ve always looked young for my age but found I was starting to slide. A year ago I started walking and now average about 10-12km a day. I use the pedometer to track my steps and and pretty diligent about meeting my goals. I’ve lost 60 pounds… I feel great… I fixed a few minor health issues and I’ve written several songs in my head while walking! can’t speak highly enough about the power of walking. Do it!
Your right 🙏🏾
I moved from Europe, where I walked, biked and took public transportation everywhere and never needed a car in my entire life, to Canada where it is absolute night mare to move around in most of the places. Most of North America is so behind Europe in terms of access.
Actually, your wrong. America has everything Europe has including EVERYONE has their own car for total access anywhere. What Europeans fail to realize is the distances in North America are 100X larger and wider than tiny little Europe where you can easily get around on a bicycle. It’s an issue of distances which should be obvious to anyone who has been to Europe and the North American continent.
@@BethyKable pretty much. People from Europe don't really conceptualize how big this country is. Reminds me of those tourists who died because they thought they could just drive their rented minivan into the Nevada desert, not realizing how far away they were from civilization.
You're absolutely correct.
@@BethyKable Actually America doesn't have "EVERYTHING" Europe has. Many large American cities don't even have an adequate supply of pavements (sidewalks). In many American cities you can't even go walking around even residential neighbourhoods without having to walk in the street.
A great many of large American cities haven't even got adequately serviced public transportation systems - particularly train systems.
@@beedebawng2556 One thing you fail to realize is that America is so large everyone has a car so we don’t NEED trains to get around and public transportation the way Europe does. In fact, without public transportation Europeans would not be able to travel....except on their bicycles. America doesn’t need sidewalks because we drive everywhere too, but, we have PLENTY of paved roads and sidewalks necessary in the cities and rural America. Traveling in Europe I noticed many cities don’t have sidewalks at all and the roads they do have are in terrible disrepair ! Our airports provide excellent transportation along with our subways and buses, when our cars are in the repair shop. We can always resort to bicycles too but most people prefer their cars due to the distances involved. Sounds like you need to get educated on the many things about America your sorely ignorant about o maybe you’d be happier staying in Europe.
I walk daily to work and back. When I have a problem to solve at work I get up from my PC, go for a walk, and come back any the solution arises. No joke!!! Works every time !
There are scientific studies proving it the brain produces produced some kind of chemical when you walk that helps you problem-solve better so you're not crazy you're just stating science! You can look it up
Imagine all the wonderful conversations one can have with their children walking to school!❤
Did it for years best times
Wonderful testimonies in the Comments! I'll share my story in snippets. I'm 68 (that's my current Avatar). In Feb'22, I was tested for a benign brain tumor the size of a large 6cm orange! I underwent surgery soon after. I came out, "rusty" all over with lots of un-usual problems. Worried I'd suffer dizzy spells, my surgeon conceded to supervised indoor exercises only. I literally worked on myself attentively, from diet & wholesome treatment to autonomous indoor exercise & walking! I'm more disciplined with myself than others. I was rigorous. Post-operative numbness in my toes on both feet persisted. I added more mileage to my daily walks. One day, crossing the road, it suddenly dawned on me that I was free from everything! I haven't stopped since then. I intend making it to 150...you'll soon hear of me...if you're still around. 😊
Howz life❤
Over the last 6 years, I walk on average 100 miles a month around Swansea, Wales. 70 years old this year!
I recently started walking with a back pack with 30 lbs in it…now this has been a game changer for me..makes you stronger as you walk and burns more calories..
That's terrible on your back get a weighted vest at least it distributes the weight
30 lbs ain't much weight..and i use a ruck pack..same as the military..
This discussion has really motivated me to walk. I’m in my 60’s and my body’s telling me this is indeed the best form of movement for me. Thank you !
Enjoy!
I use the step counter on my phone, it is encouraging to see the results at the end of the day
As a walker, l find this fascinating. Gathering, eating, talking - nothing better.
Just this morning, when I did my daily walking tour, I said that I love walking but I just hate running. Thanks so much for officially and scientifically giving me an excuse for that!
I live in Florida. The heat and humidity is brutal in the summer, causing me to walk at dawn. Sometimes it feels like walking through sludge, but on I go.
why not walk out
An alien visits planet Earth and says : “ I don’t understand humans? They take escalators and elevators all day long, then they go to the gym at the end of the day to use the Stair Master??”
😂😂😂😂😂
I don't 😆🤣😂
They drive with the car to the gym to step on a bicycle. ^^
It is about getting exercise and rest when you want to. What if you are too tired or too old to go up and down while shopping at a Mall?
Yes,and they PAY lots of money to do it!!.
Walking is fantastic. The cheapest, easiest and most satisfying exercise.
I'm 25 and have been getting 10k steps for 60 days now! Tracking and keeping the streak definitely helps me stay motivated. I've discovered so many wonderful trails in my city, and it's a great way to take time away from busy life and experience some self-care. Low-intensity cardio is also great for weight loss. The sad part is people think I'm a health nut, which is fair as I am a personal trainer, but daily physical activity shouldn't be abnormal.
i'm 26 and i've been doing it for a week now
You’re considered a health nut at 25 but will be considered discipline and amazing if you’re doing the same thing at 65. I guess people think that being young means you have to live exactly like everyone else.
I’m 30 and I’m going to walk everyday until I’m 130 . My mental fortitude towards life’s ups and downs are strengthened with a good walk 😊
How's it going
Still averaging 12.7k miles a day . Feeling like a God amongst men
@@Hellogbengoose how is the weight loss
I walk a lot in my life. I don't count steps, I just kind of estimate how many miles approximately every day, but sometimes I forget to even bother with that. I have to walk because I live in a rural place and have to gather firewood. Sometimes the perfect wood supply is a distance away. Even in winter when the wood supply is all in, I still go for 2 walks a day, I guess at least 2 or sometimes 3 miles each.
I don't walk as much now though as I did when my dog was with me. We sometimes did 8-10 miles a day because she was a high energy dog.
I am 70 now. I think walking has done me nothing but good over the many years. I am not perfect and have some health issues but if I don't feel so good on some days I find I can even walk off the not-so-great feelings, and feel much better in an hour or so !
I discovered that the best vacation for me is to walk all day every day for a week or two. Rather than visit tourist spots and eat overpriced food and booze in crowded restaurants, I walk on ancient pilgrimage routes in France, Portugal and Spain, walk 15-25 km a day, stay in simple pilgrims hostels for 10 euros a night, eat local food, meet great people and take in glorious landscapes while working out the kinks in my head and my legs. I get home full of clarity and vitality!
I walk everywhere every day of life I am 32 years old. I don't drive anywhere I walk everywhere every day it feels amazing it gets tiring but it's either that or develop many neurological and brain 🧠 diseases so I walk around miles everyday. I walk from Woodland to Davis to Sutter Davis hospital and back and I walk around giant country sides. Walking is life. Exercise will literally lengthen life and make life more quality. Brain derived neurotopic factor BDNT. (Brain Derived Neuroptric factor)
Sorry to hear you lost your driver's license but I love your positive attitude
U smart
I have always been a walker until COVID hit, and then I stayed in more. I was shocked by the impact it had on my health. I am in my mid-50s and never had significant aches and pains. My hips and back started hurting a great deal. I went to the doctor, and they said that regular exercise would help. After that, I started walking again, and it made a huge positive impact. I took walking and its benefits for granted, but I will never make that mistake again.
I love that we humans are coming back to basics, learning the REAL BENEFITS of good breathing & walking & sleeping 🎉😊
And eating real food
I work for Amazon delivery and walk usually between 9-12 miles 4 days a week lost a crap ton of body fat in the last three months. It’s a really challenging job and sometimes I can’t keep up but I’ve definitely got in better shape.
I fast seventeen hours a day. I don’t eat past seven o’clock at night until twelve o’clock the next day. I take my morning walk of two miles on an empty stomach and plan my walk to get back at twelve noon and cook my first meal of only two per day. I feel wonderful after these morning walks and have so much energy. I’m out and about most days with food shopping and other errands which I walk to. I live in an area where stores are within walking distance and have no need for a car. I don’t drive anyway. After I have my dinner I go out for my second walk of two miles but I usually end up doing closer to four miles. I am not that young 68 years old and have arthritis in my knees and feet and hands but walking helps it to feel better. I’m just very active and refuse to slow down. Movement is key.
Sauna is great for arthritis ❤
I just finished 60 minute walk while watching this video, and even though I was walking in place rather slowly, I'm exhausted! 4 years ago I was walking about 40 minutes nearly every day. When I was about 18 I would often walk to a friends house if it was less than 5 miles away and even back then people thought I was weird for preferring to walk, but it really feels good.
I’m 68 yrs old. I walked away 72 lbs. this summer. I’m now at my proper weight and feel great. I’ve even completed 3 5K s. I walk/ run these. I’m not the fastest, but I’m out there having fun. 😊😊
I’m in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. My commitment to fitness and recovery began with a walk around the block everyday. That was just over two years ago. Now, I do some sort of resistance training, HIIT, and cardio everyday. Walking is still part of my regimen. On my cardio days, I try to hit 10,000 steps a day. I lost weight, got leaner, blood pressure improved, I’m still clean and sober. I am 47. Walking is cheap and it works. It’s a simple but effective form of physical activity.
Great stuff and best wishes🙂....
@@davidrenz5886 Thanks. Blessed be.
I noticed the same thing when I visited the States - some towns I visited had no capacity for pedestrians at all. It was mind-boggling! I am lucky to live in an area (in Australia) where paths, walking tracks etc are plentiful and well used. Great conversation.
My dog is 15 and he has trouble standing, but yet he's still able to go for a walk. I see the same thing in the nursing homes. Once they are in motion, they're unstoppable 😂
I’m 56 and have always liked to walk. I find it soothing and try to do at least 2 miles a day. One mile early am and one mile after dinner. I always feel better.
I remember when I lived in the states (born in Texas) and I would walk everywhere, people actually thought I was homeless. Lol
One main reason I now live outside the US.
Smh. People think I am weird for not wanting a car/license. But I can walk, bike places. Besides a bus is far cheaper than a car or gas lol.
Ugh, I remember some co worker thinking it was so hilarious that she saw someone she knew at the bus stop. Another co worker was really embarrassed he husband rode a bicycle. 🤣 I couldn’t believe people thought that way ! Cray cray
So true about walking /social gathering spaces. There is a large outdoor mall, Old Orchard Mall, near my home. They wisely optimize open spaces, paved pathways, and play areas for kids...even a 0layground with equipment for climbing integrated into the space. It is always packed and folks go for walking with friends... they also patronize restaurants and shops. Brilliant integration that contributes to health and wellbeing. 😊
I am 70 years old. I walk about an 1.5 hours daily outside in the park or my neighborhood. It works out to be 4.5 miles per walk. I totally enjoy it
I'm assuming that's you in the photo, you're looking amazing!
I am a student of psych, and whenever I felt that I wasn't taking the content in and I was stuck and could not think anymore I would go for a walk with my kids. I found that whenever I come back from my walk I have a clear mind, and thoughts of how I could go about my lab report would just come to me, I would feel refreshed and my stress tolerance would be much better! I become addicted to doing it this way! This led to walking 10,000 steps a day! On my recent holiday to Qatar, I was walking 17000-25000 steps a day as all the attractions forced us to walk (lost 6 kilos in two weeks)! This made me realise that I can push beyond 10,000 steps a day! In turn, I set my walking goals to higher, so, now I walk 15000 steps a day! I love the mental and physical well-being I get from it. I am preparing for the exam now and I find my comprehension and remembering the content much better and I am managing the stress associated with the exam particularly since it is about psychopathology (lots of content) very well :) I think I found a remedy that is doable and free for overall well-being. I am also losing weight which is always a plus :)
As I got older, climbing stairs for exercise hurt my hip flexors. Running hurts my knees and ankles. So walking daily now works best.
Holland is set up for bikes... It looked a bit intimidating to me and I love cycling... But I live to walk .
Last year my left leg gave me such trouble that I gained at least 15 pounds... Started short hikes and it literally healed my sciatic issue... Slowly and steady walking is great for back issues.
I am 78 years and have been in very good health mostly due walking. I listened to the podcast while walking( 10kms 2.05 hours 13477 steps. I was delighted to learn of the many other benefits of walking that I was not aware of
Thank you. I am great fan of yours and listen to your podcasts regularly.
I began walking at least an hour a day and was surprised at how much weight I was losing. Over a few years, I lost 40 to 45 lbs. (I didn’t have a very accurate starting weight). This weight has stayed off for years. It really helps with depression, too. I have chronic back pain and I can’t really do any other exercise, but this I can. I just started slowly, first just going on a short, about 15 minute, circuit around a nearby park, now I go straight up the steepest hill and am rewarded by a beautiful view of San Francisco Bay at the top! Age 63 and shopping for a new wardrobe for my now-slender body, what fun. I hope to lose another 20 lbs., I was just advised that with my slender, tiny frame, I should aim for a BMI of 18.5, not 20 as for most women. This has also been the only activity that ever helped reduce that dangerous visceral fat around my middle, dieting never budged it a fraction of an inch.
Never heard of 10,000 steps or any amount . I've known the benefits of walking ever since I can remember and usually try to walk for 45mins to an hour, longer if I can . Any amount of walking is beneficial even 15-20mins .
I live in west london and love nature and the beautiful old architecture . Thank goodness we still have lovely gardens, trees and architecture to admire on my walks .
You’re lucky. Americans can only walk safely in gated communities or parks in higher income places. Cities aren’t that safe for walking and neither is the countryside where pit bulls roam.
You know there is an app that counts your daily steps called "Pacer", almost like your user name 😅. I've been using it for almost 6 years now, keeps motivated and I get to compete in walking groups.
Walking and having a dog helps menopause-I love walking thanks for great interview
I park far, I take stairs, walk my dog 3 miles a day. Love walking❤
It's no coincidence that when I walk I sleep better. Go figure. Great show
If you want to stop drinking then get a good dog ( a rescue dog is the best dog) and walk and hour in the morning with your dog, and hour in the afternoon with your dog and 30 minutes at night. You will have a new best friend and a new life.
I'm blown away, this is a really brilliant discussion on something very important, walking our way back to health. It's just what I need, right now ✅️
I have chronic insomnia. I started walking before bed recently. Gives me a chance to process & drops my cortisol levels. Hasn't cured it of course, but it's definitely helped. And in turn that helps with weight loss.
Never take cortisol to bed with you!
Glad you found ways to get better sleep! I find the more I walk in a day the better I sleep
I grew up in the suburbs and country. It was much more difficult to walk in the country because we lived on busy roads. I now live in the suburbs I grew up in and they made it a point to make trails for traveling our community.
I don't think you have to be so anal about how many steps we walk around each day. Most people are just lazy. I walk each day. I have never counted my steps but just enjoying each day with a walk out in fresh air is perfect for good mental health and physical wellbeing. As a child I walked to save my fair money I would have spent on bus services and trains. I still walk everywhere. You have to remember people with disabilities need ramps lifts and facilities to access buildings. Reminder that not all people can walk!!!
What an utterly stupid closing sentence, from you.
Nothing wrong with your last line at all.
I also loved to walk to save money. Then I got bit by a dog and I don’t walk as much as I would love to . 😔
Glad you said that! I use a wheeled walker and don't do stairs. However I feel very blessed that I can still walk outside for 1/2 - 1 hour each day over flat ground, weather permitting of course.
I can’t agree more. I walk also because why drive if my body can move me? I save LOADS of money and my body is in great shape at 54 !
Great interview. I’m inspired to walk longer! (Dogs take care of daily motivation ;-)
I started walking in 2011, knowing that I had to do something to keep from turning into a blob. Since then I have walked about 35,800 miles and have averaged about 21,000 steps per day for the past 8 years. I did not want to get to the point where I would go to a National Park and be psyched out by a sign that said a trail was 5.6 miles round trip. Now if my car broke down and I was ten miles from the house it would be no big deal. Three hours and I'm home. It is amazing how "freeing" it is to feel that way when in the past, I would be depressed at the thought of walking two miles. Now I don't worry about it. By the way, I was 210 pounds when I started and have been 170 pounds for the past 9-10 years.
This was a great discussion! I love walking, used to walk to work frequently. But I no longer feel safe walking alone through a lot of areas in this city. It's sad to see, but the number of homeless and an increase in crimes at all hours of the day has really deteriorated the walking experience.
Look up the walk at home videos Leslie Sansone
Try walking in parks where people exercise their dogs.
Most of our parks are homeless hangouts
In their discussion of infrastructure and the things that can be an impediment to people choosing to walk, safety was never discussed. A little surprising that it was not discussed because it is a significant factor for a number of people. Yet, less surprising considering that this conversation was between two men, for whom safety concerns tend to be much lower.
Society is breaking down..... I live close to the edge of town in the Saskstchewan prairies.. I just drive and park the car and walk down the prairie roads of hike near the creeks.
I had a step counter and realize I get 10 to 15,000 steps per day.... I always see coyote, deer , owls and hear the birds sing and can't believe nobody else is doing this ! Peace !
I miss walking so so very much, RA in my feet, and ankles is hampering my movements. Very sad, yet I’m still a grateful human.
Have you tried giving up red meats and eating lots of veggies and drinking lots of water?
Taking Tumeric and rubbing castor oil on affected RA areas might ease inflammation and pain
Best wishes
Last week I walked 100,000 steps in a day it took me 14 hours and the distance was 53 miles
I turned 77 yesterday and am I am in great health thank goodness! I was a runner
for years. But since my 70s I have been walking early morning 3 miles no matter how cold or wet (live in MO) but draw the line at lightening and ice.
Love love walking .It is the best thing .Sometimes I stop and I start to feel bad again .
The healthiest 67-year-old I ever knew ALWAYS took the stairs rather than the elevator, and he worked on the 6th floor of the building.
Another engineering challenge is stairs are often made at 8 inches, where my feet are 12 inches (interestingly named a foot in measurement) making 8 inch stairs (or 10) potentially dangerous going down. I like the idea of ramps he mentions.
The best thing about walking is you see more then if you were a vehicle or bus.
The next best thing is the fresh air to the brain
Brilliant interview. With my new knees I can easily walk 40km. This talk boosts me onwards. Thank you both.
Aidan, You walk 40 km? Really ??? All at once? Sounds impossible.
Roughly maybe over a marathon a day is not impossible! Aidan didn't state he did that everyday.
@@suziquestionable2845not impossible, there's a marathon called Ultra marathon, people run 120-130 miles in 24 hour.
Oh my! This definitely changes my mindset about walking. I have to make it more of a priority, daily.
I walked to school and back home all through grade school and high school. I was never overweight. We lived outside town and the grade school was about a mile and a half from my home. When I started high school the distance was 2 and 1/2 miles one way.
I love walking , it makes you feel young and look young and makes you happy
Interesting discussion, thank you!! I lam 67 and still love walking as much as I can. It is therapeutic, relaxing, destressing and lets you meet or interact with people. I live in a busy city, Edmonton-Alberta-Canada, but it still offers many opportunities to get out in the river valley, all seasons, and I always feel better after I complete my short, medium or long walks. I ask all people to just get out there and you will reap the rewards!!
Brilliant interview.Walking has always been so important to me.Its free,so beneficial,and the positive benefits for physical and mental health are so relevant and cannot be underestimated.!
Walking has been the main foundation of my health journey. It helped me go from 270 lbs this past November to 218 pounds today. In February I walked one million steps and I am on pace to walk another one million steps this month.