Born to Walk challenges the prevailing notion that running is the optimal form of exercise for health and longevity. The book delves into the negative consequences of the running boom, including overuse injuries, ineffective weight loss strategies, and the promotion of an unhealthy lifestyle. It contrasts this with the natural human imperative to walk, highlighting the numerous benefits of walking for both physical and mental well-being. The authors present a comprehensive approach to fitness that integrates walking with strength training, sprinting, and other primal movements. Ultimately, Born to Walk advocates for a more balanced and sustainable approach to fitness, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body and prioritizing overall health.
This book recounts Cathy Freeman's journey from a little girl who loved to run to a world champion athlete. It includes her experiences growing up in a loving family, her relationship with her severely disabled sister who inspired her, and her rise to the top in athletics. The book also touches on the challenges she faced, including racism and personal losses, and how she overcame them through hard work, self-belief, and the support of her family. The narrative is honest and simple, making it relatable to young readers. The book is accompanied by black and white photos, some of which are family shots, adding a personal touch to the story[2][4].
In 'Becoming a Supple Leopard', Dr. Kelly Starrett shares his revolutionary approach to mobility and maintenance of the human body. The book teaches readers how to hack their own movement to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. It includes step-by-step instructions on performing basic maintenance on the body, organizing the spine and joints in optimal positions, restoring normal function to joints and tissues, and accelerating recovery after training sessions. The book also covers how to properly perform strength and conditioning movements, identify and correct inefficient movement patterns, and prevent and rehabilitate common athletic injuries. This updated edition includes more than 80 pages of new content and has been thoroughly revised for easier use.
Published in 1977, 'The Complete Book of Running' by Jim Fixx is a seminal work that helped launch America's fitness revolution. The book provides detailed information on various aspects of running, including how to get started, training methods, nutrition, and mental preparation. It also includes historical tidbits and personal anecdotes from Fixx's own journey, transforming from a smoker and overweight individual to a fit and accomplished runner. The book emphasizes the physical and psychological benefits of running, making it a motivational and informative resource for both beginners and experienced runners.
Walking is not only a fundamental human activity, but a cornerstone for improving health and longevity as discussed in this conversation with Brad Kearns, co-author of Born to Walk: The Broken Promises of the Running Boom and How to Slow Down and Get Healthy One Step at a Time.
This new book challenges the long-held belief that we were all born to run, arguing instead that walking is a far less stressful and more beneficial form of exercise.
In this episode, Rip is also joined by his co-producer, Carrie Barrett - an avid endurance runner and triathlete.
They discuss:
- How walking is often overlooked, but is a powerful catalyst for health and longevity.
- Why many people mistakenly believe running is essential for fitness, but walking can be more beneficial.
- How the running boom has led to increased injuries, especially among recreational runners.
- Why so-called 'supershoes' are really a marketing gimmick
- A significant number of runners get injured each year, even more than NFL players.
- How improving aerobic conditioning through walking can help avoid the risks associated with running.
- How to determine your "Fat Max" heart rate level of training
- Slowing down your workouts to maximize health benefits and promote sustainable fitness
- Laying out a fitness plan that centers primarily on walking, but also includes a sprint intervals
And, as you lay out your fitness goals for 2025, we hope you're inspired to take that first step toward a healthier lifestyle—one step and one walk at a time.
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