After-dinner stroll is generally considered a beneficial health habit, as the old saying goes, “after a meal, walk a hundred steps, live ninety-nine.” A 40-year-old man firmly believes in this concept and insists on brisk walking for 60 minutes after each meal, seeing it as an effective way to promote digestion and enhance physical fitness. However, some are concerned that this practice may be detrimental to the stomach and knee joints. Doctors have expressed their views on this controversy.
Brisk walking, as a low-threshold, high-efficiency exercise method, is widely popular due to its flexibility in terms of location and time. Whether on the way home or in nearby open spaces, it can be an ideal exercise venue. It is not too intense to cause joint injuries, yet it ensures certain exercise benefits, promoting metabolism, maintaining weight, and even assisting in blood sugar and lipid management.
As for whether it is suitable for people over 40 to brisk walk for an hour every day, it needs to be analyzed based on individual health conditions. For those in good health, following the principle of exercising 30 minutes to an hour after a meal can indeed be beneficial from brisk walking. Conversely, if the health condition is poor, especially if there are joint problems, it is recommended to reduce the walking distance to about 6000 steps to avoid unnecessary health risks. Choosing flat paths and comfortable sports shoes during brisk walking is crucial, as it can protect the joints and enhance the exercise experience.
It is worth noting that despite the importance of exercise, excessive brisk walking is also not advisable, especially for middle-aged and elderly populations, as it may lead to joint damage. Therefore, developing a reasonable exercise plan, such as alternating brisk walking with rest days, is a wiser choice.
Brisk walking does have benefits, but before implementation, especially for individuals over 40 or those with joint issues, consideration should be given to personal conditions and moderate adjustment of the exercise method. Additionally, warming up before exercise, paying attention to body reactions, and adjusting in a timely manner are key to ensuring exercise safety and effectiveness. Through scientific brisk walking, not only can physical fitness be improved, but aging can also be delayed, and physical strength can be enhanced.
