Out are the days of only slogging through grueling high-intensity workouts like CrossFit and bootcamp classes day after day. Nowadays, chiller, low-impact activities, like walking, are having a moment, and for good reason. It doesn’t just feel good to get your steps in—walking also has legit health benefits and can complement any workout routine.
Walking has been found to increase aerobic fitness, decrease body fat, and reduce blood pressure in sedentary adults, according to a 2023 study in GeroScience. The review also found that people who live in Blue Zones, regions of the world where people tend to live the longest, do low-impact activities (like walking) on a regular basis.
However, building muscle is also incredibly important when it comes to living and moving healthily for a long time. Ahead, find out whether walking on its own can build muscle, which muscles it works, and how to reap more strength benefits from your walking routine.
