While the ability to walk long distances is typically a healthy quality, some medical experts say it does not tell the whole story.
According to Dr. Marie Therese Kanagie-McAleese, a University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center physician, understanding the speed at which we walk should be considered an essential vital sign.
Dr. Kanagie-McAleese says vital signs are those pieces of information that tell us how well our body is functioning. They are the details that physicians rely on during annual check-ups, such as blood pressure and body weight.
Collectively, these vital signs help compose a complete picture of overall health, potentially isolating health issues. Dr. Kanagie-McAleese says walking speed should be incorporated into this broader assessment.
One 2020 study found that people under 30 typically walk at an average speed of three miles per hour. Individuals aged 30 to 49 average 2.8 mph, and people aged 50 to 59 average 2.75 mph. Those aged 60 to 65 average 2.70 mph, while people over 65 typically walk at an average speed of 2.1 mph.
Dr. Anthony Giuffrida, a specialist in interventional spine and pain management at the Cantor Spine Center in Florida, says people who walk faster enjoy “strong muscle strength, coordination and neuromuscular function” alongside improved “heart and lung function,” per Yahoo Life.
Alternatively, those who struggle to keep a brisk pace may be displaying symptoms of health conditions like arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, walking has been shown to elicit numerous health benefits.
Daily walks can substantially reduce lower back pain for some sufferers. They can also significantly improve your mood and dramatically cut the risk of stroke and heart attack.
More than that, one study found that physical activity, like walking, can add up to 11 years of lifespan to some individuals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, like brisk walking, in addition to two resistance training sessions.
Of course, you could opt for a style of exercise that incorporates a bit of both.
Rucking is an increasingly popular activity in which you load your body with added weight and perform a brisk walk, not unlike what you would see in a military march. Rucking provides valuable cardiovascular benefits, but the added load and intensity may help build and maintain muscle simultaneously.