Walking, often overshadowed by more intense forms of exercise, emerges as a powerful catalyst for improving health and longevity. This article delves into the benefits of walking, challenging the notion that running is essential for fitness and exploring how a walking-centered fitness plan can lead to sustainable well-being.
Walking vs. Running: A Paradigm Shift
The idea that "we were born to run" has been challenged by the argument that walking offers better health and longevity for most people. The running boom, fueled by events like Frank Shorter's gold medal in the 1972 Olympics and books like "The Complete Book of Running," has led to increased injuries, particularly among recreational runners. Shoe companies have contributed to this phenomenon by churning out heavily cushioned "supershoes," which may not provide the necessary muscular support for long-distance running.
The Case for Walking Over Running
Walking is often overlooked, but it is a powerful catalyst for health and longevity. Many people mistakenly believe running is essential for fitness, but walking can be more beneficial. Improving aerobic conditioning through walking can help avoid the risks associated with running.
The Downside of the Running Boom
The running boom has led to increased injuries, especially among recreational runners. Shoe companies are churning out heavily cushioned shoes and even super shoes with carbon plates. Running hard all the time stimulates our appetite and can actually encourage poor food choices and muscular breakdown.
The Science of Walking: Aerobic Conditioning and Fat Max
Walking improves aerobic conditioning the right way, avoiding the risks of injury and burnout associated with running, and promoting a healthy, happy, energetic, long life one step at a time. It's a super provocative notion that really intrigued me and my co-producer, Carrie Barrett, who is an avid marathoner.
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Determining Your "Fat Max" Heart Rate Level
Slowing down your workouts to maximize health benefits and promote sustainable fitness is key.
Crafting a Walking-Centered Fitness Plan
A fitness plan that centers primarily on walking, but also includes sprint intervals can be highly effective.
The Benefits of Walking
Walking is far less stressful and improves health, longevity, cognitive function, and even weight loss far more than running can.
Jerry Messing's Health Journey
Jerry Messing, known as "The Fedora Guy," faced significant health challenges after contracting COVID-19 in August. He was in a semi-coma and on a ventilator for 21 days, surviving that ordeal but experiencing partial paralysis of his right arm and both legs. He undergoes physical therapy five days a week and requires one-on-one training with a personal trainer to regain full mobility.
Dr. Jerry Buss: A Visionary Leader
Dr. Jerry Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 until his passing in 2013, oversaw one of the greatest stretches in sports and entertainment history. His Lakers made it to the Finals 16 times and won 10 championships. He inspired fondness and loyalty amongst his family, players, employees, and fans.
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The Purchase of the Lakers
In the mid to late 1970s, Dr. Buss owned the Los Angeles Strings of World Team Tennis. He noticed that the owner of the Lakers, Jack Kent Cooke, was not attending Laker games. He realized there was an opportunity to convince Cooke to sell him the team. After two years of persistent meetings, Dr. Buss acquired the Lakers in May of 1979.
Dr. Buss's Vision
Dr. Buss changed the landscape of the NBA in terms of how he thought about the business. He realized that people would pay for prime real estate, just like for a house on the beach. He came up with the concept of the floor seats, making them the most special seat in any sporting event anywhere. He was the first to see the opportunity to sell the naming rights of the building, which really was an asset to the company.
Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI): Providing Trustworthy Information
The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals research their treatment options for prostate cancer. PCRI was founded in 1996 by doctors Stephen Strum and Mark Scholz, along with patient Harry Pinchot. They recognized a need for trustworthy information about prostate cancer and aimed to provide patients with access to new treatments and understandable information.
The Importance of Education
PCRI believes that the best treatment happens when an educated patient works with their doctor to sort through the severity of the disease, the available treatment options, and all of the side effects. By becoming educated about the disease, the patient avoids making decisions that they regret, maximizing quality of life and survival.
PCRI's Helpline and Conferences
PCRI fosters connection through its helpline and conferences. Silvia Cooper has been helping others on their prostate cancer journey since 2011. John Shearon has been a passionate advocate for men with prostate cancer since his diagnosis in 2001.
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Patient Stories
Phil's Story: Phil's FAA designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) first detected an abnormality on his prostate during a mandatory six-month flight physical. He underwent a voluntary examination of his prostate and received early treatment.
A Letter From A Faithful Caregiver: A caregiver expresses gratitude for PCRI's help and support after her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012.
Peter's Story: Peter shares how PCRI empowered him to advocate for other men dealing with prostate cancer.
A Loving Wife: A wife shares how PCRI helped her husband put his cancer in remission with undetectable PSA.
The Walnut Gang - Orange County Support Group: Larry Gerber with the Walnut Gang shares how PCRI is one of their most important contributors of information.
Rolling 12s: A patient shares his journey from diagnosis to active surveillance, highlighting the importance of education and second opinions.