Many of us have seen the impact of dementia on loved ones. It’s a condition we think arrives much later in life, but the things we do now have a long-lasting impact. We recently discussed one behavior in an EatingWell article that deeply resonated with many: A sedentary lifestyle can increase your chances of developing dementia. Why?
Sitting for too long, too frequently can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. “Inactivity is closely linked to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes, which are well-established risk factors for both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Molly Robinson, M.S., RD. Robinson also explained the link between heart health and brain health, stating that “prolonged sitting and low physical activity levels are linked to increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.” In addition to that, when you’re sitting for long periods of time, you also impact your brain—the parts of your brain connected to memory and learning are at risk of shrinking.
It sounds scary, but there’s a simple fix: Movement. Robinson recommends “150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.” We love walking, though we’ll be the first to admit that it can take some motivation to get up and actually do it. To help, we’ve gathered some of our editor-favorite finds that help us move, including weighted vests, plush Brooks shoes and more, from $15.
Editor-Approved Walking Gear at Amazon
- Kavu Canvas Spectator Belt Bag, from $15 (was $25)
- Zelus Weighted Vest, $37
- Brooks Ghost Max 3 Shoe, $160
- Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Ankle Sock, $15
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Shoe, $95 (was $140)
- Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, $100 (was $200)
- Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Weighted Vest, $220
- Elseluck Walking Pad, $120 (was $150)
- Keen Hyperport H2 Hiking and Water Sandals, $104 (was $120)
- Garmin Forerunner 165, $249
Kavu Canvas Spectator Belt Bag
Amazon
Senior Nutrition Editor Jessica Ball, M.S, RD, loves a belt bag. The fact that she’s able to keep what she needs on hand, whether energizing snacks or earbuds to listen to her favorite podcast, makes walking fun. The perk of a belt bag is that you can easily walk to do errands, too. Get steps in on the way to the farmers market instead of driving—just pack money or credit cards for a fuss-free errand run.
Zelus Weighted Vest
Amazon
I was in a bit of a rut with my walking routine, making it pretty unmotivating to go. I bought this 11-pound weighted vest a few months ago to try something new, and I haven’t looked back since. I’m able to level up my workout with minimal effort. I feel the vest working my hamstrings and core, making for an exciting routine. Because of the vest, I’m eager to grab it and see how I feel on each walk I go on. Plus, putting it on just for a short stroll makes me feel like I’ve done something great!
Brooks Ghost Max 3 Shoe
Amazon
A comfortable shoe makes me way more likely to get moving because I know it’ll be an easier, pain-free ride. I’ve been testing these recently launched Ghost Max 3 sneakers from Brooks. I’ve been testing them for around a month and I love them! I’ve been a longtime fan of the Ghost Max line, and wore the original shoe into the ground. I generally prefer a plush shoe, and these feel very cushy, lightweight and supportive. In conjunction with the vest, my inclined walks and light hikes are difficult but always very pleasant.
Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Ankle Sock
Amazon
A small pet peeve of mine is direct skin-to-shoe contact while my feet are sweaty. And I’ll be the first to admit that I am a bit of a chronic foot sweater (eek!), so the right socks are essential. These Feetures socks were recommended to me because they’re lightweight but absorb sweat (and they do). The ankle design also allows for just the right amount of coverage. I originally bought them for my trip to Italy to wear on long tour days, but they’ve quickly become my go-to workout sock. Paired with a plush sneaker, their thin design works well for me.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Shoe
Amazon
Both Associate Editorial Director Carolyn Malcoun and Assistant General Manager Penelope Wall keep shoes at their desk or in their work locker for easy access; that way, “ the wrong shoes are never an excuse not to walk,” Malcoun says. Wall has been wearing the Adrenaline GTS line for years. Their supportive design helps alleviate any pain during and after walks, and they’re versatile enough to take her through a marathon or a neighborhood walk.
Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones
Amazon
“I’m a big fan of my Beats headphones that go over my ears—it’s so hot and sweaty this time of year in Birmingham that the earbuds easily fall out. I cue up a good podcast and knock out a few miles,” said Senior Editor Brierley Horton. I also use Beats and love how comfortable they are. My pair has lasted me for nearly a decade! They’re well worth the investment, especially at 50% off.
Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Weighted Vest
Amazon
Malcoun also loves a weighted vest and can’t get enough of this splurge-worthy model from Hyperwear. “I’ve been wearing it for two to three months, and I’ve noticed a few things: My walking pace has decreased by 1 mile per hour, my average daily calorie burn is up about 70 calories per day. I’ve noticed my core feels stronger,” Malcoun says. Similar to me, the vest added some life back into her walking and hiking routine.
Elseluck Walking Pad
Amazon
“I use a walking pad and I love it,” says Allison Little, associate social media manager. “I can tell a huge difference on the days I don’t get a walk in each morning. I love that it can go slow enough for some passive movement while I work, but can also go up to 2.5 miles per hour when I’m ready for a power walk.” Another bonus? It’s on sale!
Keen Hyperport H2 Hiking and Water Sandals
Amazon
“As a Gorp Core fan, I recently purchased the Keen Hyperport sneaker sandals, and I love them,” says Senior Visuals Editor Cassie Basford. “I find sandals and flip-flops to be uncomfortable beyond a couple of steps, so this was a perfect balance of comfort and support while staying cool during walks. It’s made walking during heat waves a bit more bearable. They’re also great for walking through the city or the woods and river with their quick-drying fabric and traction.”
Garmin Forerunner 165
Amazon
Garmin watches are pricey, but the stats they provide can make walks feel like more of a fun experiment rather than a hassle. Ball swears by her model since it tracks her steps, distance and elevation. This option is less expensive than hers, which is now discontinued, but still includes all the data for targeted workouts. Since it’s exercise-driven, you can take it off after a workout—there’s no pressure or need to wear it all day, like other smartwatches (unless you’re tracking your daily steps).