Why Walking Rules
Trainer Harley Pasternak spent a year traveling to the world’s healthiest cities to do research for his book The 5-Factor World Diet. What he did not find: a collective diet-crazed workout culture. What he did find: People walked. They walked to the subway. They walked to work. They strolled the streets after dinner (what the Italians affectionately refer to as passeggiata).
Pasternak isn’t an avid runner or a spinning proponent (hear more about why not over on the goopfellas podcast). He does not subscribe to a no pain, no gain mentality. Instead, he starts his Rolodex of Hollywood clients off with a Fitbit: “It’s a way to liberate them from the gym,” he explains. And he tells them (and everyone) simply to walk.
“Gyms serve as a sense of socializing and community, which are both important,” Pasternak says. “But we’re also realizing that gyms are not essential. People have been forced to learn how to exercise without the gym and are now finding this sense of ‘Wow, I can do this—I don’t need all this stuff,’” says Pasternak. “There’s a lot more independence now as a result of that discovery, which is really great.”
Also great are the well-being benefits you can squeeze out of your steps. Walking is good for a healthy heart, immune support, and stress Rx. Researchers at Stanford University found that walking increased creative output in a group of college students by 60 percent compared to sitting. Grounding into nature (you didn’t think we would make it through this story without mentioning forest bathing, did you?), allowing thoughts to come and go, and detaching from the noise, if only for moment, can free up limited mental real estate.
And really: When’s the last time you came back from a walk in a worse mood than when you started off?
“If there ever were a great time to get into walking, this is it,” says Pasternak. “Walking is the best medicine out there—just move.”
ALONG FOR THE STRIDE
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The best buds
Master Dynamic MW08 True Wireless Earphones goop, $299Twelve hours of nonstop listening time.
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THE HOT SIPS
Wooden Spoon Herbs Herbal Coffee goop, $38Morning laps around the block with your bestie? Just got better, thanks to this herbal coffee alternative made with a blend of roots and herbs.*
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The HYDRATOR 2.0
Cure Hydration Golden Hour Ginger Turmeric Daily Electrolyte Mix goop, $25An electrolyte mix to help you hydrate better than with water alone.*
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The audiobook
Kathryn Schulz Lost & Found Libro.fm, $28Go for whatever our VP of content, Kiki Koroshetz, is reading. (Her best recs make it to the goop book club.)
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The Fit
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goop x PUMA Tank goop, $60SHOP NOW -
Reebok x Victoria Beckham Anorak goop, $330Functional gear to take you from point A to point B.
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goop x PUMA Track Pants goop, $100SHOP NOW
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The trainers
On The Cloud Sneaker goop, $130Hit the pavement with cushy soles and grippy tread
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The pacesetter
App Store WALKMETER WALKING & HIKING GPS App Store, freeAll the metrics you need—pace, distance,
and more—to help you stay on track.SHOP NOW -
The energy boost
goop Wellness NERD ALERT goop, $55 (30-day supply)/$30 (15-day supply)A hit of caffeine quicker than your morning pour-over.*
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THE (CLEAN) SPF
The Organic Pharmacy CELLULAR PROTECTION SUN CREAM SPF 50 goop, $69Always use protection.
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THE FANNY PACK
Tanner Goods Canyon Crossbody goop, $125Made with technical fabric that protects precious cargo (phone, snacks, dog treats) from the elements.
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THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE
Hilma Indoor/Outdoor Support goop, $30Calling in backup against common irritants in your environment, like pollen and dust: This daily supplement is made with botanicals to support sinus health.*
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THE LEVEL-UP
Bala Weighted Wrist Bangles goop, $49Add an extra challenge by strapping a pair of these weighted bangles around your wrists or ankles. Each is only a pound, but you’ll feel the difference.
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THE FACE COVERING
Airinum Lite Air Mask goop, $49Block out air pollution, smog, dust, and pollen with this lightweight mesh mask.
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THE REFUEL
Vejo Pod-Based Blender System goop, $130Your starter kit for the easiest-ever plant-based protein shakes.
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THE RECOVERY TOOL
Therabody Theragun Mini Rose goop, $199A mini percussive massager for postwalk foot rubs.
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This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of goop.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.
