OQM #11: How many steps should you be taking for weight loss?
Nov 7, 2022
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Dr. Payton Busker, a former physical therapist and expert at Evlo Fitness, joins the conversation to unravel the mysteries of walking and weight loss. They discuss how cardio alone may not guarantee weight loss and emphasize the importance of strength training. The duo debunks the 10,000 steps myth, advocating for listening to your body's needs instead. They also highlight the risks of excessive walking and the crucial role of recovery days in a fitness routine. It's a deep dive into creating a balanced and effective exercise plan!
A weekly recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate cardio is crucial for cardiovascular health and can include various enjoyable activities.
The arbitrary goal of 10,000 steps per day is criticized, emphasizing the importance of quality exercise and personal well-being over strict metrics.
Deep dives
Understanding Weekly Cardio Recommendations
A weekly recommendation of 150 minutes of light to moderate intensity cardio is presented as a benchmark for maintaining cardiovascular health. This includes activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or biking, which elevates heart rate without overwhelming the system. The emphasis is on ensuring that participants can comfortably engage in conversation while exercising, indicating the appropriate intensity level. It's noted that these cardio minutes can also be integrated with strength training sessions, as high-intensity strength workouts can also contribute to cardiovascular benefits.
Debunking the 10,000 Steps Myth
The common goal of achieving 10,000 steps per day is critiqued as an arbitrary figure rooted more in marketing than scientific research. It is emphasized that individuals can achieve health and fitness goals without strictly adhering to this number, especially when engaging in strength training. Quality of exercise and ensuring proper recovery are highlighted as more important factors for health and fitness than merely counting steps. The message encourages listeners to focus on movement they enjoy and to always listen to their bodies rather than becoming overly fixated on specific metrics.
Assessing Walking and Recovery for Optimal Health
Listeners are encouraged to monitor their physical symptoms to determine if they are walking or exercising too much, particularly in relation to recovery and joint health. Overexertion can impede muscle growth and recovery, complicating one's fitness routine. Practical assessments, such as the CO2 tolerance and grip strength tests, are suggested as methods to gauge recovery levels, indicating when one might need to reduce walking or exercise intensity. A holistic approach to fitness is advocated, considering personal stress levels and overall well-being rather than solely focusing on adherence to exercise norms or trends.