At CrossFit Formidable, we talk a lot about strength, consistency, and pushing through challenges. But today, let’s talk about something radically simple—and maybe even more powerful than you realize.
Let’s talk about walking.
Yep. Walking.
Not exactly what comes to mind when people think about hardcore fitness. But here’s the thing: walking is one of the most effective tools we have for staying healthy at any age and any fitness level. It’s also one of the most underutilized.
Why Walking Works
Walking doesn’t get enough credit. It’s easy to overlook because it doesn’t come with a sweat-soaked T-shirt or sore muscles the next day. But walking is a foundational movement—something humans were literally built to do. And doing more of it has a massive ripple effect on your physical and mental health.
Here’s what science says walking can do:
- Boost cardiovascular health – Regular walking lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, and supports heart function.
- Improve mood – Walking, especially outside, helps reduce anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine.
- Regulate blood sugar – A short walk after meals helps the body better regulate glucose levels.
- Support fat loss – It won’t spike your heart rate like a metcon, but it adds up. 10,000 steps can burn a few hundred calories without feeling like work.
- Improve sleep quality – Moving during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Boost recovery – For those training hard in the gym, walking helps flush out inflammation and keeps your joints and muscles feeling good.
Whether you’re already deep into your fitness journey or just trying to move more, walking meets you where you are.
Start Where You’re At
You’ve probably heard the 10,000 steps a day thing. It’s a great goal! But if that feels overwhelming, don’t stress. Start smaller. Add a few minutes of walking where you can:
- Take walking meetings or calls at work.
- Walk while you’re on the phone with a friend.
- Walk with your partner or kids after dinner.
- Listen to your favorite podcast or some music while you walk.
- Or just unplug. Walk in silence. Let your brain breathe.
Walking isn’t about crushing it. It’s about showing up in a way that supports your health, lowers your stress, and reminds your body what it’s made to do.
The Power of Simplicity
Sometimes the best fitness tip isn’t a new movement, new piece of gear, or new supplement. Sometimes it’s just this:
Move more. Walk more. Breathe more.
At CrossFit Formidable, we’ll always be here to help you push hard and reach your goals in the gym. But we’ll also be here to remind you that movement doesn’t always need to be intense to be powerful.
Walking can be the thing that jumpstarts your fitness journey—or the thing that keeps you balanced when life gets full. It’s not “just” walking. It’s one of the best things you can do for your body and mind.
Want more simple, actionable ways to feel better and move better? Come visit us at CrossFit Formidable—your home for strength, conditioning, and sustainable fitness in Canby, Oregon.
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