I Tried the 6-6-6 Strolling Problem For an Total Month—Here is What Occurred

From the 12-3-30 to the 3-2-1, numbered strolling challenges have turn into a trademark of web health developments. The newest iteration? The 6-6-6 problem.

Problem directions differ on-line, however the fundamental thought is to stroll at a brisk tempo for 60 consecutive minutes, with a six-minute warmup and cooldown, at both 6 a.m. or 6 p.m., six days every week. Proponents say this routine can enhance endurance, coronary heart well being, vitality, and temper.

Strolling has been linked to main well being advantages—a current evaluate tied 7,000 every day steps to a decrease threat of coronary heart illness, most cancers, depressive signs, and even loss of life. However I wished to strive the 6-6-6 problem myself to see if it was really doable and price it.

Total, I discovered the every day walks pleasant. They received me out into New York Metropolis’s lovely early autumn climate—sunny and 70s—and, as a relative newcomer, I relished the possibility to discover areas of town I hadn’t seen earlier than. My walks additionally gave me a chance to spend time with a pal or my boyfriend, or to meet up with household over the telephone. 

And whereas I’m positively not a morning individual—and opted to do most of my walks after work, even when it wasn’t precisely 6 p.m.—the few occasions I did enterprise out at 6 a.m. really weren’t so unhealthy, providing daylight and contemporary(ish) air to kickstart the day. 

That stated, the 6-6-6 problem was, nicely, difficult. The walks have been bodily draining, and it was tough for me to suit an hour of train six days every week into my already busy schedule. Plus, I received pooped on by pigeons—twice. (I want I have been kidding.)

In whole, I spent 1,440 minutes—or a full 24 hours—strolling for this problem. Right here’s what I observed:

Strolling Obtained Simpler

The most important change I noticed was in my endurance. I’m a fairly energetic individual, however doing an hour of cardio six days every week was nonetheless difficult. After about two weeks, the walks began to really feel extra easy—I didn’t get as drained or winded.

I Was in a Higher Temper

I additionally observed that I felt much less confused and anxious. After a protracted day, getting an hour to clear my thoughts and benefit from the outside made me really feel lighter. And within the mornings, taking time earlier than leaping into the hustle of the day had a optimistic impact, too. 

I Didn’t Really feel Extra Energized

I anticipated to see a lift in my vitality ranges, since analysis has linked constant train to enhancements in fatigue, vitality, and total vitality. However surprisingly, I didn’t discover any change. I believed morning walks, specifically, would assist me get up and supply extra lasting vitality all through the day, however that wasn’t the case.

My Sleep Didn’t Enhance

I additionally anticipated to get higher relaxation—research present that common bodily exercise can enhance total sleep high quality—however that remained the identical, too. My physique felt extra drained on the finish of the day, doubtless from all of the strolling, however that didn’t appear to translate into falling or staying asleep any extra simply. 

My Energy Coaching Took a Pause

One draw back: Doing a lot strolling meant I had much less time to hit the health club, and I wasn’t in a position to make any weight-lifting progress.

I’d need to say no. Whereas the walks have been principally nice, an hour of brisk strolling six days every week is rather a lot—far past the beneficial 150 minutes of moderate-intensity bodily exercise every week.

Specialists typically say the most effective train is the one you’ll really persist with. Given the effort and time required for this problem, it’s unlikely to suit into most individuals’s lives.

It’s value noting that I already do a ton of strolling dwelling in NYC, so the problem could have simply been an excessive amount of for me personally. (Throughout the problem, I typically racked up a minimum of 15,000 steps per day.) If in case you have a sedentary life-style, work remotely, or drive to work, the 6-6-6 problem could also be extra manageable.