Walking vs. Weightlifting

Considering a kayak trip with your college buddies, hiking along the Great Wall of China, visiting the Galapagos Islands or simply ready to get fit? Adding weights to your workout can get you in shape and prevent injury.

One of my clients recently mentioned that prior to working out with me she got the majority of her exercise from walking. She still walks a lot but after working with me in the gym has come to appreciate the value of weightlifting. Her balance and core strength have improved significantly, and her body has taken on a tighter, more defined shape.

Feature image of Walking versus weightlifting

Like many people she thought getting her 10,000 steps in each day guaranteed good health.  While walking can be an excellent cardio exercise if you keep the pace up, its benefit is limited. When you walk you use the same muscles in the same way day in and day out. This can reinforce bad habits, create poor posture and lead to muscular imbalance. And, it does little to build core strength. 

Adding a weightlifting component increases stability, builds core strength and improves metabolism. Every pound of muscle burn calories during exercise and for a significant period of time after exercise. Weights reshape the body transforming stomach fat to muscle in the triceps and biceps. Challenging weightlifting exercises balance muscles so each joint performs at its best. A good fitness coach will change up your routine to provide the right mix of exercises that enable you to achieve your fitness goals.

If you are ready to increase your metabolism, build core strength and improve overall performance, meet me in the gym.