This episode of walking tips is purely responses to our communities’ questions. and WOW did you have a lot of them? So let’s dive right in. In case you landed here first, you may also want to go back one episode and listen to the podcast I released about the benefits of walking that is full of research statistics that will blow you away… or at least out the door on a walk.   Cardiovascular Fitness Walking Tips      How fast should you walk to make it cardio?This is completely unique to an individual. Your heart rate and breathlessness or ability to talk at any speed will be different than mine or any other person’s. So it’s perhaps better to identify the goal. Your heart benefits from walking, period. Exercise intensity is measured in labs as METs. Your MET level walking is far higher than your met level at rest. So you’re already “cardio.”   Is walking just as effective as jogging/running?It depends. Effective for what? It’s not the same as cardiovascular stress. It takes longer to achieve the equivalent in energy expenditure or distance. It is the lower impact which could be good unless you’re training for impact and need it.   How much would I need to walk a week to support a weightlifting routine for cardio?This varies based on your need and goal for cardiovascular fitness. All walking improves heart health. What are your biggest goals? Then you can determine what level of intensity you want or need.   Will I still gain any cardiovascular benefits if I’m a slow walker?You’re definitely getting the benefits of circulation and blood sugar stabilization from walking at any pace. And you benefit from cortisol reduction too. But also want to be sure you’re not judging what may feel like a fast pace to you because it’s slow to someone else. There is some evidence that for weight-bearing exercise for bone density purposes, speeds of greater than 3.3 mph are associated with bone benefit but slower are not.     Tips for Improving Walking Effectiveness    Is 10,000 steps a day a good goal? 10K or 7K optimal steps per day?10,000 steps has been popularized but not proven scientifically. In the recent podcast I posted this week I referenced science about each 1000 over 4000 steps contributing to testosterone boost. And also to 8000 steps boosting most significantly. But above 7000 or 8000 otherwise seem to have diminishing returns.    How do you control breath and walking to improve core? [What is] proper deep belly breathing that engages pelvic floor/diaphragm when walking?Keep in mind speed and resistance will activate core. Overthinking core during walking could be counterproductive. Instead, focus on posture. Practice diaphragmatic breathing at rest first, before you attempt to do so while exercising. If it becomes natural, you’ll simply be doing it while you walk too.    Should I walk with weights?No. The risks outweigh the benefits unless you’re wearing a weighted vest in training for an extreme event at altitude where you’ll be carrying supplies or a pack. The risk as you swing.. either your legs (if ankle weights) or your arms (hand or wrist weights) is tension or significant torque on joints.   More Tips for Walking Effectiveness and Comfort    How to prevent tightness in hip/low back? What would cause lower back pain while walking?Lower back pain can be prevented with improvements in walking posture. Imagine a tall posture, leaning forward from the ankles. The biggest mistake is made leaning from the waist. Your fascia – the layer of ligamentous tissue covering your muscles – essentially stiffens. Change the gait or stop and stretch periodically.  Find warmups at my Youtube channel. Long strides or short?Yes! Based on the previous response, you want to mix it up.  Best posture while walking up a hill? Saving our knees?I’m not sure these are the same question or separate, so I may misinterpret in my response. You maintain the same forward angle from the ankle as when on a flat. Avoid bending forward from the waist or the neck.