Author: Amanda Reid

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This Is Why Your Moisturizer Stopped Working

Most women and men in the U.S. (75%) have problems with dry skin during winter. When you're trying so hard to protect your skin, why can it sometimes seem like moisturizer isn’t doing anything?

4 Signs Your Moisturizer Isn’t Working

Hydration is an essential part of skincare. These four red flags mean your moisturizer isn't working correctly.

Rough or Dry Skin

Healthy, hydrated skin should be three S's: soft, smooth and supple. If your hands feel closer to sandpaper than silk, it’s a sign your skin needs TLC urgently! Rough, dry or cracked skin has been stripped of its natural protective oils, and your moisturizing routine isn’t helping.

Peeling

Sunburns aren’t the only reason your skin can peel. Peeling means the epidermis — the top layer of skin — has been damaged. Dryness or irritation from harsh ingredients can be responsible. Hand sanitizer can cause both.

Bumps or Acne Breakouts

For some people, moisturizers cause a different problem: clogged pores. Hydrating your skin is still important, but it’s better to choose a lighter product with “oil-free” on the label. Honey, lactic acid and glycerin are great ingredients for avoiding breakouts.

Burning Sensation or Rashes

Moisturizers should never make your skin burn, tingle or itch. The effect should be completely the opposite — a calming, comfortable sensation you look forward to. If you notice irritation or red spots after applying a beauty product, it usually means you have a mild allergy to one of the ingredients. People with sensitive skin should opt for moisturizers that are non-allergenic and fragrance-free.

6 Reasons Moisturizer Doesn’t Always Work

Why aren’t your skincare products delivering the results they promise? These six reasons may be the cause:

  • Washing needs to go hand-in-hand with moisturizing: Every time you wash, you need to moisturize. Period.
  • Skipping nutrients doesn’t do your skin any favors: Eating too much fast food can leave your body low on essential vitamins for healthy skin.
  • Overdoing heavy creams can make skin dependent on moisturizer: Giving your skin too much of a good thing can make it stop producing natural oils. Don’t apply heavy creams every day.
  • Underestimating cold or dry weather hurts your skin: Applying moisturizer once a day in cold weather is almost the same as doing nothing. Your skin needs more.
  • Aging lowers your body’s natural hydration: As you age, you need to increase your moisturizing routine. Increase the quantity of skin-healthy vitamins you get as well.
  • Not protecting yourself from UV rays is worse than you think: UV rays can damage your skin even if you don’t get burnt. Put on sunscreen when you’re spending time outdoors.

6 Tips for Supple Skin All Year Long

Boost skin hydration with these six simple steps:

  • Feed your skin: Make sure you're getting sufficient vitamin E, protein and omega-3s in your diet.
  • Be a skin whisperer: Stick with moisturizers and ingredients that work for you, no matter what's trendy.
  • Cleanse and hydrate: Remove dirt, oil and makeup from the skin, and then apply moisturizer.
  • Apply when wet: Using skin lotion when you get out of the shower or while your hands are still wet locks in extra moisture.
  • Massage: Help moisture and nourishing ingredients penetrate better with a gentle massage.
  • Exfoliate more: Get rid of dry, dead skin cells that block lotions from absorbing correctly. Moisturize after exfoliating.

Great skincare ingredients don't have to be expensive. Glycerine, petrolatum and shea butter are among the best for hydration, and they're within reach of most people.

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7 Tips That Work for Thinning Hair

Many women think that thinning hair is just something you have to accept. Forget that! You may not be able to change genetic factors, but you certainly can repair damaged hair, strengthen your strands and care for your scalp. Follow these seven tips.

1. Massage Your Scalp

A scalp massage feels amazing after a long day, especially in a warm shower with soothing essential oils (try diluted lavender oil for a heavenly experience). Massaging provides several benefits in addition to helping you relax. It increases blood flow to the scalp, boosting the nutrients available for healthy hair. It also helps shampoo ingredients penetrate more deeply.

Avoid the common mistake of massaging your hair, which can cause broken strands. Instead, give all the TLC to your scalp and let shampoo roll down your hair on its own.

2. Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Scalp

Make sure your shampoo meets your particular needs. Some shampoos help with volume, smoothness, root repair, hydration and strengthening.

Again, focus on your scalp, not your strands. Don’t choose a moisturizing shampoo for an oily scalp; pick one that helps with volumizing or strengthening.

What if you have a dry scalp and curly strands? Use a shampoo designed for hydration first. Take care of your curls with a second shampoo or conditioner.

3. Stress Less

Have you ever heard people say that a stressful situation is making their hair fall out? They’re not exaggerating.

The more stressed you feel, the more strands you lose. Stress hormones can alter your hair’s natural growth cycle.

Make time for rest and relaxation every week. Getting enough rest is good for your immune system and overall health, too.

It’s also important to avoid stressing too much about your hair. Seeing a bunch of strands in your hairbrush after bathing doesn’t necessarily mean your hair is thinning. It’s perfectly normal for women of any age to lose 50–100 hairs a day.

4. Take Time for Conditioner

Conditioner does for your strands what shampoo does for your scalp. Shampoo helps with cleansing and nourishing, while conditioner is designed to soften, detangle and protect your strands. That’s a big help in avoiding breakage.

5. Talk to Your Doc

Most women probably don’t think of thinning hair as something to discuss with a doctor, but your physician can be a huge help. Treating hair loss is easier when you know the underlying cause.

Sometimes, the issue is scalp inflammation, such as eczema. Hormone levels or nutrient deficiencies may be to blame. Even certain medications can trigger thinning hair.

6. Protect Your Hair

Treat your hair like it’s your favorite designer dress. Be gentle with it.

Limit washing to 2 or 3 times a week. Don’t be rough when toweling off. Forget about your blow dryer. Even if you’re in a hurry to get to work, your hair deserves a few minutes of your time.

7. Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Iron and Zinc

Your follicles need zinc and iron to produce healthy and strong hair. Most of the strands you lose are because of breakage, so these strengthening minerals can make a big difference. Other hair-healthy essentials include omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. Fish, avocadoes and nuts are excellent sources.

With these easy tips, you can get back your luxurious hair. You deserve to rock the vibrant hairstyle you love.

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Dry Skin, Eczema or Both?

Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, affecting over 31 million Americans. Despite that huge number, many people don't really understand what eczema is — even people who have it.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is the medical name for skin inflammation. Chronic eczema is a long-term problem that produces itchy, red and dry skin that never seems to go away.

You may be surprised to learn that eczema doesn’t refer to a single disorder. It’s a group of skin conditions that can have different triggers:

  • Atopic dermatitis: This kind of eczema produces patches of inflamed, dry skin and red, itchy rashes. Some people have trouble sleeping at night because of the constant itching and pain.
  • Contact dermatitis: This condition causes a burning sensation and small blisters. It means your skin is experiencing a negative reaction to some chemical, fabric or metal. The rash that appears when you touch poison ivy is a type of contact dermatitis.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: This type of eczema is connected to the oil-producing glands in your skin and scalp. It causes scaly, dry skin that flakes off. Dandruff is a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis.
  • Dyshidrotic eczema: This variety of eczema produces itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the fingers, palms and soles of the feet. These blisters can last up to a month before disappearing.

Is Eczema the Same Thing as Dry Skin?

Not really. Dry skin is one of the main symptoms but not the only one. Itching is another sign of eczema.

Many colds cause a runny nose, but that doesn’t mean that every time you have a runny nose it’s caused by a cold. Similarly, dry skin isn’t always the result of eczema.

What Else Can Cause Dry Skin?

There are many reasons why your skin can dry out:

  • Winter weather: Winter does a double whammy on your skin. Cool outdoor air has less moisture, so it dehydrates exposed skin. Indoor heating dries skin even more, frequently causing cracked lips and raw knuckles.
  • Dry climates: If you live in an area known for dry air, you need to up your moisturizing game for your skin.
  • Certain illnesses and medications: People who have diabetes, kidney problems or thyroid disorders may have to fight again severe dry skin. Some medicines, such as diuretics, can also cause dry skin.
  • Frequent hand washing: Each time you wash your hands, you strip away some of the protective layers that keep your skin hydrated.
  • Aging: As people get older, the body doesn’t produce as much of the hydrating oils that nourish skin and keep it soft and supple.
  • Harsh detergents: If you mainly notice extremely dry hands after washing dishes or doing laundry, one of the detergents you use may be too strong for your skin.
  • Vitamin deficiencies: The body depends on vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, iron and niacin to produce healthy, hydrated skin. Low vitamin levels can cause dryness problems.

Is your skin naturally more sensitive? People who get dry skin a lot should make sure to moisturize several times a day.

What Is the Treatment for Eczema?

For minor eczema, the best treatment is often prevention. Try to avoid personal triggers, such as stress, strong fragrances, harsh detergents or overwashing.

If dry skin becomes painful or you have large break-outs, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Your doctor can determine the type of eczema you have and provide treatment that focuses on providing relief.

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The Tremendous Benefits of Cycling

When most people get their license and a brand-new used car, their bicycles wind up in the garage collecting dust. As adults, bike riding is a childhood pastime; it serves a minimal purpose in the hustle and bustle of grown folks' business.  

The simplistic attitude is somewhat fair when thinking of a bicycle as an effective mode of transportation, especially for the multitude of adult obligations. However, a bike is still fun, potentially relaxing, and a beneficial exercise machine.

1. Cardiovascular Health

Cycling, above all else, is a form of cardiovascular exercise. Whether you use a stationary indoor bike or a standard bicycle, cycling can improve your system's circulation and oxygen distribution, and it can increase your aerobic tolerance or capacity. 

Depending on the form of cycling you do, the activity can also improve insulin sensitivity and blood pressure. Stationary cycling classes that incorporate high-intensity interval training seem to benefit these areas most.

2. Low-Impact

Most people acknowledge the advantages of running for cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, running is hard on the knees, hips, and ankles. The amount of force on the joints, ligaments, and tendons can lead to long-term and compounding damage in runners.  

Cycling reduces the shock on the system. Riding a bike is considered a low-impact form of exercise, meaning your body can still receive cardiovascular benefits without risking potential injuries or degradation of the joints. 

3. Coordination

Regardless of the style of cycling you gravitate towards, the activity requires significant coordination. However, beginners should not let the need for coordination stop them from enjoying riding. 

The repetition of cycling will establish greater coordination over time. The more you ride over busy bike trails or participate in rhythm-based cycling classes, the more your abilities will start to rise to the challenge.

4. Stamina

When you start cycling, you might only get around the block or last a portion of a class. Do not let assumed failure deter you. Many people set expectations beyond their current abilities, which is why setting smaller goals, to begin with, is best.  

Set a goal for a single trip around the neighborhood or a shorter distance. The goal you set should be manageable and somewhat easy until you learn your limits. The beauty of riding a bike is the activity is compounding. You will build endurance and stamina the longer you train. 

5. Posture

Many people do not consider posture when cycling. Then hop on the bike, grab the handlebars, and start pedaling. Unfortunately, the lackluster approach to riding can result in back pain. 

Posture is a crucial aspect of cycling and riding comfortably. When you mount your bicycle, you want a neutral spine, meaning it is straight and relaxed, not arched and strained. Your shoulders should be down and back, not curved in a "whatever" position. Practicing an accurate riding position can improve your posture even off the bike.

6. Strength Training

Believe it or not, riding a bicycle is a form of strength training, primarily for the lower body and core muscles. Cycling requires balancing muscles, making it an excellent exercise for older individuals. 

You can increase your workout by using the various gear settings or choosing more challenging terrain. An uphill ride will really challenge your leg and core muscles. 

A bicycle might spark images of favorite childhood memories, but cycling is not a pastime; it is a current and effective form of exercise. If you haven't ridden in a while, maybe it's time to dust off the saddle.

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Shampoo as a Body Wash Alternative?

You are standing in the shower after a hard day's work, enjoying the warm water as it runs over your head and over your shoulders. After a few moments of basking in the warmth, you reach for your body wash only to realize you forgot to replace the empty bottle with the new one underneath your sink. 

You could get out of the shower, trudge over to the cabinet under the sink, and grab a new bottle, but that all sounds like so much work. As you are mulling the idea over, tiring yourself out with the thought of the longest short walk ever, you notice the sleek, shiny bottle of shampoo. You think to yourself, "why not?" 

Shampoo and Body Wash Are Essentially the Same, Right?

Shampoo is not the same thing as a body wash. While the products share some similarities, each has a designated use, hence the different names. Body washes typically contain milder ingredients and detergents than shampoos. Shampoos can use somewhat harsher ingredients because the hair is not as sensitive as the skin.  

Depending on the type of shampoo you purchase, the product might not feel good on the skin. Many low-cost shampoos can feel slimy, oily, or greasy on the skin, and they tend to dry out or irritate active skin cells. More expensive shampoos might not be as bad because they can contain aloes and other moisturizers. 

Body washes are designed for the skin. Therefore, most products, even low-cost options, have hydrating and moisturizing ingredients and effects. That said, you will probably notice some repeating ingredients across your shampoo and body wash bottles.

Will Shampoo Cause Problems if Used as a Body Wash?

You should use body wash for your body and shampoo for your hair. However, in a pinch, you can probably use shampoo. Shampoo is not an ideal body wash because it is meant to retain your hair's essential oils and minerals, which can result in a somewhat slimy or sticky body wash.  

Additionally, shampoos are more like detergents than body washes and have a higher acidic pH level. The higher pH can irritate, dry out, and even dull the skin if you use shampoo too often. You can even find some people recommending shampoos in place of dishwashing liquids and other detergents, which should indicate their incompatibility with skin. Still, the occasional use of shampoo as a body wash is likely Ok.

Is It Best To Stick To Body Wash?

Ultimately, shampoo is not a replacement for body wash long-term. Shampoo is meant for your hair, and even then, a conditioner is occasionally recommended to prevent damage.  

Body wash is specifically created to help cleanse and treat the skin. Most washes include hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to benefit the skin, keeping it smooth and healthy. Still, there is no shame in using shampoo once in a while, especially when the bathroom sink is so far away. 

How do you feel about using shampoo as a body wash? Have you ever had to make the substitution?

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Giving New Definition To the Term Slacker: 4 Reasons To Try Slacklining

A long piece of webbing stretches the span between two trees in a local park, and a young woman balances on the inches-wide material a couple of feet off the ground. The line bends slightly under her weight as she moves forward and back, at one point appearing still on a single foot. It is incredible, astonishing; it is slacklining.

Despite the reduced risk of injury, with the slackline only two to three feet off the ground, spectators cannot be 

blamed for assuming the girl is a tightrope walker. While the activities are similar, slacklining is more approachable for novices and provides tremendous benefits.

Unfortunately, too many people cannot get past their nerves to try the activity. While there are risks involved with learning, you can mitigate those risks with proper planning. Using padded mats and lowering the line to a comfortable height, injuries become unlikely.

If you have ever wanted to try slacklining, what is holding you back? While it will take time to build confidence and become proficient, the benefits of the exercise make it worth the dedication.

1. Improves Balance

One of the crucial components of health and longevity is balance. People too often settle into a life of desk jobs and limited movement, resulting in worsening balance as they age. Poor balance can be a death sentence for seniors — 21% of people over 60 die within one year of a hip fracture.

Slacklining is a balancing and core strength exercise. Not only will participating in the activity result in better balance, but it will also result in improved posture and strength, enhanced athletic performance, and reduced impacts of arthritis.

2. Benefits the Brain

Many people are freaked out the minute they step on a slackline because it usually starts shaking. They immediately think they are going to fall, and many will. The key to slacklining is concentration and focus. Sure, balance has a lot to do with it, but without concentration and focus, you will fall every time. 

The best part about continued slackline practice is improving your focus and concentration. The brain is like a muscle, and the more you force it to focus on an intense or strenuous activity, the better it gets. In fact, a study published in Hippocampus Magazine in August of 2011 found a direct correlation between slacklining and enhancements in the memory and learning centers of the brain.

3. Promotes Muscle Gains

As slacklining is an exercise and activity, it will lead to muscle gains. The most gains are realized in the core and lower body, which are muscle groups directly associated with balance. The benefits of slacklining are often equivalent or greater than more traditional core and lower body workouts, such as squats and sit-ups.

Many practitioners express tremendous athletic gains because slacklining focuses on the core, gluteals, and quads. Think about it, every sport requires some level of balance, and slacklining is the best balancing exercise.

4. Improves Self-Esteem and Confidence

Slacklining is more than an exercise; it is potentially a life-changing experience. The amount of focus and dedication required to become proficient with the activity can often alter one's outlook.

Challenging yourself and exceeding your expectations or even meeting them is a tremendous confidence boost. Many people find that commitment and improvement on the slackline directly correlate to feelings of self-esteem and confidence.

What's your take on slacklining? Do you think you will ever give it a try?

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Do You Drink Your Water Cold or Hot, and Does It Matter?

Drinking enough water daily is paramount to support bodily functions, including digestion. Many people underestimate the importance of drinking water, not realizing that it helps maintain body temperature, keeps tissues and organs healthy, and plays a vital role in the metabolism and getting rid of waste.

While one cannot debate the significance of water, there is some debate over the correct temperature for consumption. Some people argue that cold water is worse for the body than hot or warm water, while others argue temperature is unimportant. Who is right? What does the science say?

Is Cold Water Problematic?

The best temperature for water might have more to do with where you live or how you practice medicine than anything else. Ayurvedic medicine, based on Indian traditions, proposes that cold water can slow down the digestive process and cause an imbalance in the body.

According to the practice, drinking cold water affects the body's temperature, essentially dampening the "fire" or Agni that fuels the body's system and contributes to overall health. The debate is that drinking cold water drops your core temperature and forces your body to expend additional energy to re-establish it.

Western medicine and its practitioners do not hold the same opinions. There is little research to suggest that cold water has an adversarial relationship with the body. According to most practitioners of western medicine, all that matters is that you drink enough water, which most people do not.

Despite the differences of opinion, there was a small 2013 study that investigated the effects of water at different temperatures on six people. The participants performed exercises in a hot, humid chamber, effectively dehydrating themselves. Then, each person was given water at different temperatures to test their responses.

The results found that water at 60.8° F was most beneficial, but not necessarily for the reasons you might think. The water temperature appeared to encourage more drinking, which resulted in greater hydration and less sweating.

The results of the study are too small to state any universal truth. However, it is interesting that cool water seems to be the most appealing.

Cold Water Versus Hot Water for Digestion

Unfortunately, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that either cold or hot water is best for digestion. However, the primary and conclusive evidence of most research indicates that drinking an adequate amount of water daily is crucial to overall health.

When it comes to water temperature, in most cases, it depends on the preference of the individual. As long as you are drinking enough water to maintain optimum bodily functions, you are Ok.

However, some people might need to avoid drinking cold water for medical reasons. Some studies suggest people with conditions such as achalasia, affecting the esophagus, should avoid drinking cold water because it can affect swallowing.

Ultimately, your water temperature is less important than the amount of water you drink. Many professionals suggest drinking half your body weight in ounces; for example, someone weighing 150 lbs should drink at least 75 oz of water daily.

Water is crucial to bodily functions. While people like to debate the benefits of different temperatures, the important thing is that you drink enough.

What temperature do you like to drink your water? Comment below.

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Struggling to Sleep? Acupuncture May Help!

Sleep is essential for survival and optimal mental and physical function. But what if you can’t get the amount or quality of sleep your body needs to look and feel its best? What if you lay in bed for hours at a time and can’t get any shuteye? I’ve been there, and it made me grumpy, tired and discouraged (just ask my kids!)

Finally, I decided to try something crazy to help me sleep. Someone told me that acupuncture can help you get the best sleep of your life, and I decided I had nothing to lose by giving it a try. It changed my life and helped me finally get quality sleep at night. I decided it was shellfish to keep this secret to myself, so I’m sharing it with you. Here’s what you should know about acupuncture, what it is, and how it may help you get the sleep your body and mind need.

What Is Acupuncture?

If you’ve ever seen acupuncture depicted on TV, it might have made your stomach turn a little. Needles sticking out haphazardly from a person’s body isn’t a great look, right? I thought so, too. What I didn’t know is that those needles are very thin and you can barely feel them penetrating your skin. How deep they’re inserted into your body depends on the area being treated. In areas with a lot of fat, the needles can be inserted deeper than in areas with very little fat.

Another myth I believed about acupuncture is that the person administering the treatment randomly sticks needles anywhere they want until you look like a human pincushion. In reality, acupuncture is very purposeful and exact. The acupuncturist targets very specific areas of the body based on the symptoms you’re trying to relieve. It’s a gentle and precise practice.

How Does Acupuncture Help With Sleep?

I have to mention that acupuncture may not help everyone with their sleep issues, but it is an effective treatment for many. Some studies reveal that acupuncture is effective for treating insomnia. This is great news because acupuncture doesn’t have the side effects associated with many of the sedatives prescribed to people with insomnia.

A lot more research needs to happen before we understand exactly how acupuncture helps people sleep. However, it is believed that acupuncture releases melatonin in the body. This is the hormone primarily responsible for regulating the human circadian rhythm and making you sleepy.

Another theory explains that acupuncture may stimulate blood flow to regions of the brain that are associated with sleep. This is more likely when the acupuncture is done on the affected person’s scalp. These are just theories, but it’s clear that acupuncture somehow helps many people achieve deep and restorative sleep when they were at the end of their rope.

Sleep Pressure Points

There are certain pressure points in the body associated with sleep. They include the Shenmen point (located on the wrist, just below the hand on the pinky finger side), the Yongquan point (found near the center point of the sole of the foot), and the Baihui point (the highest point of the head). Good acupuncturists know how to target these points and insert the needles to the appropriate point for your needs.

It may sound crazy, but acupuncture is one of the best things I tried for my sleep issues. If you struggle to get to sleep at night or the quality of your sleep is poor, acupuncture may help. Of course, it’s also important to rule out other problems such as sleep apnea that may be obstructing your oxygen intake at night. But if there is no obvious cause for your sleep issues, you have nothing to lose by trying acupuncture, and you have great sleep to gain!

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Cleaning Products and Expiration Dates

Many people are surprised to turn over their cleaning products and find expiration dates. However, it is standard practice for many manufacturers to list these dates to ensure customers get the most use out of the product.

If you are like most people, you might hang on to cleaning products for months or even years past their best effective dates. Does that mean the product is no longer going to clean your glass or counter? Not necessarily. The longevity of a product typically depends on the chemicals and formula used.

Why Do Cleaning Products Expire?

When referring to expiration, a manufacturer typically refers to the potency of the product more than anything else. A cleaning product will not usually spoil. Still, the efficacy or usefulness of the item might degrade over time. 

Bleach, a standard household cleaner, typically loses potency about six months after opening it. Experts suggest that bleach will lose approximately 20% of its effectiveness after six months. Glass cleaners tend to hold their potency for longer periods, up to two years.

Therefore, when looking at an expiration date on a cleaning product, do not assume it is no longer safe to use. In most instances, the expiration only signifies the product will not work as well as it once did. It would be best to be cautious of this degradation, especially when using anti-bacterial cleaners.

How Long Should They Last?

While bleach tends to have a short lifespan, most household cleaners will last. In many cases, manufacturers use preservatives to ensure a longer shelf life, in some cases two years. 

Not all products will list an expiration date. They will typically have a "born on date" or lot or batch number. If you are not sure how long you have had a product or think it might no longer be safe or effective, you can contact the manufacturer for more information.

How Can You Dispose of Expired Items?

Some people might want to use every drop of a cleaning product to get the most out of their purchase, but you are better off tossing it once a product reaches expiration. However, do not throw partially full bottles into the trash. Many products are toxic, and throwing them away recklessly can contaminate waterways. 

When you must discard a cleaning product, check the bottle. Most bottles or labels will give instructions for disposal. If you cannot find instructions, contact the manufacturer.

Should You Have an Inventory System?

If the products you use have an expiration date, be sure to organize them according to it in storage. You always want to use the first products you purchased before newer products. 

If there is no expiration date, use a sharpie to label the bottom of the bottle with the date you opened the product. Labeling the products means you always know how long you have been using a product and when to pitch it.

Expiration dates do not mean the same thing on cleaning products as food. Food spoils past its expiration, but cleaning products lose potency. Still, to get the most out of your cleaning supplies, it is best to use products before they expire.

Have you ever used cleaning products past their "best by" date? Did it still perform? Comment below.

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Can Walking Be as Effective as Running?

Walking or running, which is the better exercise? People constantly debate the best form of cardiovascular exercise. When performing a search online, you will likely find communities that back each method of training, which they can and should. Each activity is beneficial in its own right, meaning there is no shame in using both in your workouts. Variety is often more preferential than any one exercise to maintaining health and building muscle.

The problem comes when people argue over the effectiveness of either running or walking. When compared apples to apples — flat running versus flat walking — running wins with the calorie burn. However, running is more taxing on your knees, ankles, etc., which is why many people, especially those dealing with arthritis or injuries, prefer walking to running.

Truthfully, there is no reason you cannot experience an equivalent calorie burn while walking. You either need to walk for longer periods or start an incline regimen. Walking at a continuous incline burns more calories than flat walking, and it can burn a similar number of calories compared to flat running.

The Advantages of Incline Walking

While running is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, it is an aggressive and potentially abusive activity. Your knees and other joints sustain multiple and repetitive impacts that can worsen existing injuries or lead to damage later in life. 

Fitness experts have known that walking is less damaging than running for a long time. The impacts the body contends with during walking are less vigorous, softer. The big drawback to walking compared to running is the calorie deficit. Flat running and flat walking are not equivalent when it comes to calorie burn, and walkers will need to double or even triple their time exercising to receive the same benefits s runners. However, walking at an incline changes everything.

Incline walking engages stabilizer muscles and requires more energy than walking on a flat surface. The muscle engagement and energy burn are equivalent to flat running, if not better, in some ways.

By engaging the back, hips, and core, incline walking helps develop muscles key to balance. As people age, balance tends to weaken, becoming a significant threat to safety. With more developed stabilizer muscles, aging individuals can reduce the risks of falling and the injuries that stem from it.

Aside from building critical muscles, incline walking is still walking, so the typical advantages of walking over running remain, primarily reduced impact injuries. Walking does not require the same footpad collision with the concrete, meaning the body does not need to absorb as much force, even when incline walking.

Both Exercises Are Beneficial

No one is saying that you should never run. Running is an effective form of exercise. Still, it is not safe for everyone. 

People at a greater risk of injury should avoid running. Walking is preferential for those with arthritis and other musculoskeletal injuries. While flat walking will not provide the same calorie loss as running, incline walking does and in the same amount of time.

When choosing or planning your exercise routine, you should consult with your primary care physician to determine what activities are safe and most beneficial. Even if you cannot run, incline walking can provide a safer and equivalent form of exercise, especially from a calorie-burn perspective.

Do you have any experience with incline walking, or are you willing to give it a try? Leave a comment below.