A walking expert suggests making this one tweak to your walks if you struggle to hit your step goal

It’s always reassuring to talk to an expert who truly practices what they preach.

When I recently spoke with Dr Marie Kanagie-McAleese, she took my call from her treadmill and didn’t stop walking for the entire conversation.

Kanagie-McAleese is a doctor who uses walking and other therapeutic interventions to help people support their health.

She’s passionate about the many benefits of walking and the role it can play in promoting longevity, quality of life and even social connection.

While many of us think of walking in terms of physical health, Kanagie-McAleese believes its true power lies in how it can connect us.

“Walking with other people can motivate you, but you're also spending quality time with other people, and that's incredibly beneficial for your health,” she says.

Here's why she thinks you should start walking with company more often.

Why we should all be walking socially

It combats loneliness

Loneliness is a serious health concern, which can increase your risk of coronary heart disease, strokes and depression.

“Social connection is one of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine and it’s just as important as diet and nutrition, exercise and sleep,” says Kanagie-McAleese.

“Spending time with other people has tremendous benefits in promoting health and longevity.”

It boosts motivation

If motivation is an issue for you, then a little accountability goes a long way.

“Walking with others can challenge you to get out when you may not necessarily feel like it,” says Kanagie-McAleese. “It can motivate you a little bit more.”

Having a walking buddy can be especially helpful if you’re easing back into activity after an injury or long break.

“You need somebody who can help you as you're getting back into the swing of getting up and moving around again," says Kanagie-McAleese.

It can help identify pain points

Kanagie-McAleese offers Walk with a Doc in her community, a non-profit organization that brings together medical professionals and community members for group walks and medical education.

She encourages those with a specific injury or pain to try walking with a physical therapist to troubleshoot issues.

“It’s helpful to walk with someone who's trained to watch, see how you're walking, and then potentially offer feedback on what you're doing, and give you different exercises or movements you can do to fix that problem,” she says.

Marie Kanagie-McAleese, MD

Board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Kanagie-McAleese is a pediatric hospitalist at UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. She leads the Bel Air chapter of Walk With a Doc, a free fitness program for people of all ages and abilities featuring short healthcare seminars followed by leisurely walks.