Move Your DNA with Katy Bowman Ep 178: Are Humans Born To Walk?
Apr 9, 2025
Mark Sisson, author and founder of Primal Kitchen, dives into human evolutionary history and the importance of walking in this engaging conversation. He argues that walking should be prioritized over running for health benefits, promoting a balanced 'movement diet.' The discussion highlights the joy and cultural significance of walking, along with insights from Sisson's book, Born to Walk. Katy Bowman also chats with Karri Bowen-Poole about designing inspiring play and movement spaces at home, ensuring children thrive through creativity and active lifestyles.
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Walking: Quintessential Human Movement
- Humans are unique as bipedal organisms without tails or major balancing points, making walking quintessential.
- Our genes expect consistent, varied movement throughout the day, not just intense bursts.
Ideal Movement Diet
- Walk as much as possible throughout the day.
- Supplement walking with two days of weightlifting and occasional sprints for optimal fitness.
The Catabolic Nature of Running
- Running is catabolic, breaking down muscle mass, especially at consistently high heart rates.
- Many runners train in a 'no-man's land', too slow for strength, too fast for aerobic base building.
