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Self-selected exercise intensity of habitual walkers
C C Spelman1, R R Pate, C A Macera
1Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Habitual walkers maintain exercise intensity for cardiorespiratory fitness. Their self-selected walking pace expends significant weekly energy, promoting health and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Habitual exercise walking is a popular physical activity.
- Understanding the intensity of self-selected walking is crucial for public health recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the exercise intensity of habitual walkers at their self-selected pace.
- To determine if this intensity meets established fitness guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-nine healthy adults walked at a self-selected pace.
- Treadmill exercise measured walking speed, oxygen consumption (VO2max), heart rate (HRmax), metabolic equivalents (METs), and perceived exertion (RPE).
Main Results:
- Self-selected walking pace averaged 1.78 m/s.
- Treadmill exercise elicited 52% VO2max, 70% HRmax, 5.2 METs, and RPE of 10.9.
- Estimated weekly energy expenditure was 1127 kcal.
Conclusions:
- Self-selected exercise intensity in habitual walkers aligns with American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Average weekly energy expenditure from walking is associated with improved health and longevity.