The Underrated Workout That Orthopaedic (And Other Doctors) Love

Today, joint replacement can be done as outpatient orthopaedic surgery, but there is still a preventative means of keeping fit, as well as a way of healing more quickly following surgery.  As soon as your doctor clears you for doing it, start walking.  If you miss feeling comfortable in your clothes, and getting back your strength; walk.  If you wish you could drop pounds; walk.  If you have type 2 diabetes, walk. If you are looking for a good cardiovascular workout that is easier on your knees; walk. The more you walk, doctors say, the more you may lose, and there will be less pressure (and hopefully, less pain) as you continue your walk. 

Walking has been viewed as a pointless waste of time by the joggers on the next treadmill because walking, as a workout, has been underappreciated.  Not only can walking deliver effective physical activity across a broad range of individuals, but walking also delivers a mental boost.  And let’s face it, especially if your joints are already injured, or in need of orthopaedic treatment, running may be just too hard on your knees and other joints.  Walking on the other hand, while gentler on your knees, ankles and backs, due to its lower impact, may still deliver health improvements.  Forty two studies of over eighteen hundred participants was published in the British journal of sports medicine, showed a walking program reduced systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, body fat, body mass indices and total cholesterol.  Also found, was a reduction in depression, and improvement in mental health, though this was a less quantifiable improvement, based on psychological question and answer scores.

OK, ignore all of that, and focus on this.  People who walk, even for only a half hour each day, feel better all around.  It seems worth trying.