Sorry but there is a paywall: . . . recent studies showing that you don’t have to run very much, or very fast, in order to get major health benefits. “Running, even 5 to 10 min/day and at slow speeds <6 miles/h, is associated with markedly reduced risks of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease,” one study, in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, concluded. I shouldn’t be surprised at this. In August, a study found that walking fairly short distances was associated with reduced mortality risk. We’ve been talking for a long time about six-minute workouts and 11-minute workouts and how to do the shortest workout humanly possible and still reap benefits. But running in particular seems intricately linked to questions of endurance, of grit and commitment and even moral rectitude. “Running is more than a sport or a form of exercise, a passion or a pastime. It’s about identity,” one runner declared in an essay in Runner’s World, a sentiment expressed in nearly each of the one million essays I read while mulling this topic. . . . I didn’t feel particularly accomplished after my slog (a slow jog). I did, however, see how meaningful these studies’ findings could be for those who might be avoiding all running because they’re not able to sustain it for long periods. Beginner running programs like Couch to 5K and None to Run assume a 5K, or running for 25 minutes, are sensible, achievable goals. But a Couch to 5 Minutes program would be even more achievable, a salutary way point, or even a goal unto itself. . . . Bob Wilson
unfortunately, not everyones physiognomy responds well to running, especially as we age. walking is a very close second best, and much easier on the joints. after that, it's time for a swimming pool
Essential parts are freely readable: Relationship of Daily Step Counts to All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Events - ScienceDirect
Never a runner, I've found bicycling to have lower impact on the joints and feet than long distance walking, so I can run up a higher calorie burn. My younger siblings were forced to give running up due to joint and foot problems. Despite being the oldest, not running seems to have allowed me to be the last to suffer plantar fasciitis, and the only to not (yet) have arthritis. I remember P42 switching from running to cycling for similar reasons. Though one sibling recently discovered that she could start running again after starting hormone replacement therapy. Swimming is supposedly the least impact of all, but I don't have convenient easy access to it.
+1 on bicycle riding. I rediscovered the joys of biking when I retired. My ride of choice is a 45-year-old Schwinn Sprint that I rebuilt. I take very long rides so need the saddlebags for food, tools, tire repair kit etc.
