About this episode

Nicole Kalil and Dr. Milica McDowell discuss the benefits of walking as an underrated form of exercise and challenge common fitness myths.

Let’s get one thing straight: the fitness industry has sold us a lie that if you’re not drenched in sweat, tracking every step, optimizing every metric, and borderline hating your life… it “doesn’t count.” We’re calling bullshit. In this episode, Nicole sits down with Dr. Milica McDowell — doctor of physical therapy, human performance expert, and co-author of Walk — to dismantle everything we’ve been taught about exercise, movement, and what it actually means to take care of our bodies. Because walking? The thing you’ve been dismissing as “not real exercise”? It might be the most powerful, accessible, and science-backed tool for your health, longevity, and mental clarity. In this episode, we cover: Why walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise for women’s health The truth about the 10,000-step myth (and what actually matters) How walking improves mood, creativity, and cognitive function The shocking connection between foot health, balance, and longevity Why your shoes might be sabotaging your body (yes, really) The concept of “movement snacks” and how to fit walking into real life Treadmill vs outdoor walking — what actually counts How to build a walking habit…

People in this episode

Host: Nicole Kalil

Guest: Dr. Milica McDowell

Topics covered

• fitness
• walking
• women's health
• exercise
• mental clarity
• movement

Keywords

• fitness strategy
• walking benefits
• 10,000-step myth
• mood improvement
• cognitive function
• movement snacks
• foot health

Sponsors

Gusto

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Walk

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