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Walking for Fitness

By Natalie Vavricka

Always a popular topic, walking has gained even more attention in the health news recently, largely due to research done at Canada's University of Alberta, which concluded that walking alone may not be enough to result in significant health benefits.

"Generally, low-intensity activity such as walking alone is not likely to give anybody marked health benefits compared to programs that occasionally elevate the intensity," says lead researcher Dr. Vicki Harber.

The conclusion was drawn by comparing a 10,000-step walking program of moderate intensity to a more traditional fitness routine. The study found that those who participated in the more traditional exercise routine had greater improvements in fitness levels than those in the walking program.

But fitness expert Liz Neporent, MA, CSCS, author of 'The Fat-Free Truth,' disagrees.

"First of all, I would urge people to remember that this is one study in a sea of thousands. Other studies have shown that any activity, even low intensity, can be effective. Also, you need to define what the word 'effective' means for you. Effective can mean improving health, losing weight or improving stamina," she explains.

She stresses that as long as you do it long enough and frequently enough, walking at any speed can impact your health and stamina positively, but admits that walking for weight loss is a bit more challenging.

"Even if you start off slowly, you're going to have to work harder at some point to drop the pounds."

So, what do you do if you're looking to lose weight, get a J.Lo-esque butt or improve cardiovascular fitness, but the thought of running makes you cringe?

NEXT: Read our expert’s top five walking tips