Can walking be my whole workout?

Q: I know walking is good for my body.

- ALLESSANDRA DICORATO

But can it be my only form of exercise?A: Stepping outside for a brisk walk can bring significant health benefits. Walking has been linked to improved blood pressure, better mental health and lower risks of falls, cardiovascular disease and dementia.

It’s also an accessible way to get moving that many people can fit in while taking out the dog or commuting to work.

But while walking is almost universally considered good physical activity, it's not necessarily great exercise, said Alex Rothstein, an exercise physiologist and assistant professor of exercise science at the New York Institute of Technology School of Health Professions. The distinction, he said, is that exercise is structured, quantifiable physical activity that challenges your body.

Whether or not walking is enough exercise for you personally depends on the intensity of your walks, your fitness level and your health goals.

While step count may be most familiar, Rothstein cautioned against making it your sole focus. “Ten thousand steps was never meant to be the defining task of your day,” he said. Instead, it’s important to consider the intensity of your walks and the amount of time you spend exercising.