EP 111: Is Walking Real Exercise? The Honest Answer episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 18, 2026 · 5 MIN

EP 111: Is Walking Real Exercise? The Honest Answer

from The Hybrid Lab with Dr. Alyssa Olenick · host Dr. Alyssa Olenick

You’ve probably seen the debate online:Some people say walking doesn’t count as real exercise… while others say walking is one of the best forms of cardio you can do. So which one is it?→ This video is a podcast version of a full YouTube video! Watch it here on Spotify (video edition) or YouTube: https://youtu.be/b2BzFHdkdXMGet $20 off your first month with code PODCAST:→ https://www.thelyssmethod.com/ The real answer is a little more nuanced.In this video, I break down when walking counts as cardio, when it doesn’t, and why both sides of the internet are partially right. We’ll talk about how walking fits on the spectrum between general daily activity and formal cardiovascular exercise — and how your fitness level changes the answer.You’ll learn:-when walking counts as cardiovascular exercise-why heart rate and effort matter more than the activity itself-how walking works differently for beginners vs fitter individuals-how to make walking more effective if it feels too easy-when you may need to add other forms of cardioIf you’re new to fitness, walking may be more than enough to get started — and that’s a great thing. If you’re already fit, walking is still incredibly valuable for overall health, even if it doesn’t challenge your cardio system the same way.The goal isn’t to shame walking or force everyone into running. It’s to help you understand how your body adapts and how to choose the right level of intensity for where you’re at right now.If you want help figuring out how much cardio to add to your week, what counts, or how to get started in a way that feels realistic, check out the resources linked below.And if you still have questions about cardio, walking, or exercise intensity, drop them in the comments — I’m happy to help.🤘🏻 TRAIN WITH ME HERE → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/programs

You’ve probably seen the debate online:Some people say walking doesn’t count as real exercise… while others say walking is one of the best forms of cardio you can do. So which one is it?→ This video is a podcast version of a full YouTube video! Watch it here on Spotify (video edition) or YouTube: https://youtu.be/b2BzFHdkdXMGet $20 off your first month with code PODCAST:→ https://www.thelyssmethod.com/ The real answer is a little more nuanced.In this video, I break down when walking counts as cardio, when it doesn’t, and why both sides of the internet are partially right. We’ll talk about how walking fits on the spectrum between general daily activity and formal cardiovascular exercise — and how your fitness level changes the answer.You’ll learn:-when walking counts as cardiovascular exercise-why heart rate and effort matter more than the activity itself-how walking works differently for beginners vs fitter individuals-how to make walking more effective if it feels too easy-when you may need to add other forms of cardioIf you’re new to fitness, walking may be more than enough to get started — and that’s a great thing. If you’re already fit, walking is still incredibly valuable for overall health, even if it doesn’t challenge your cardio system the same way.The goal isn’t to shame walking or force everyone into running. It’s to help you understand how your body adapts and how to choose the right level of intensity for where you’re at right now.If you want help figuring out how much cardio to add to your week, what counts, or how to get started in a way that feels realistic, check out the resources linked below.And if you still have questions about cardio, walking, or exercise intensity, drop them in the comments — I’m happy to help.🤘🏻 TRAIN WITH ME HERE → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/programs

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EP 111: Is Walking Real Exercise? The Honest Answer

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This episode is 5 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 18, 2026.

What is this episode about?

You’ve probably seen the debate online:Some people say walking doesn’t count as real exercise… while others say walking is one of the best forms of cardio you can do. So which one is it?→ This video is a podcast version of a full YouTube video!...

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