Last Tuesday, I was rushing to catch the subway when something made me pause. A woman ahead of me was walking at this steady, confident pace—not jogging, not stressed, just moving with purpose. She navigated through the crowd effortlessly, reached the platform first, and somehow looked completely composed while everyone else seemed frazzled.
Later that day, I noticed my colleague who always walks quickly between meetings. She’s the same person who remembers details from conversations weeks ago and somehow manages three major projects without breaking a sweat.
That’s when I started wondering: Is there actually something to this walking speed thing?
The science behind walking speed and success
Turns out, behavioral scientists have been quietly studying this connection for decades. The research reveals something fascinating: people who walk faster than average consistently demonstrate higher cognitive abilities and achieve better life outcomes.
This isn’t about power walking or rushing everywhere in a panic. We’re talking about that natural, purposeful stride you see in people who seem mentally sharp and focused.
“Walking speed is like a window into how efficiently your brain processes information,” explains Dr. Sarah Chen, a behavioral researcher at Northwestern University. “It reflects the speed at which your mind takes in data, makes decisions, and coordinates movement.”
A landmark study from Duke University tracked nearly 1,000 people from birth to age 45. When researchers measured brain function, biological age, and walking speed at midlife, the results were striking. Faster walkers didn’t just appear more physically fit—their brains actually looked younger on imaging scans, and they performed significantly better on memory and reasoning tests.
What the research numbers actually show
Multiple studies across different populations have consistently found similar patterns. Here’s what the data reveals about walking speed and success:
| Walking Speed Category | Cognitive Performance | Career Success Markers | Health Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast walkers (above 1.2 m/s) | Higher test scores, better memory | More promotions, higher income | Lower disease risk, longer lifespan |
| Average walkers (0.8-1.2 m/s) | Standard cognitive function | Typical career progression | Average health markers |
| Slow walkers (below 0.8 m/s) | Lower processing speed | Fewer leadership roles | Higher mortality risk |
The UK Biobank study, which followed over 400,000 adults, found that people with naturally faster walking speeds had:
- 15% higher annual earnings on average
- Better problem-solving abilities under pressure
- Stronger working memory and attention span
- Lower rates of depression and anxiety
- More career advancement opportunities
“The connection isn’t about being in a hurry,” notes Dr. Michael Rodriguez, a neuroscientist who studies movement and cognition. “Fast walkers tend to have more efficient neural networks. Their brains process information quickly and translate thoughts into action seamlessly.”
Why your walking speed reflects your mental sharpness
The brain-walking connection runs deeper than you might expect. Walking requires your brain to coordinate multiple complex systems simultaneously: balance, spatial awareness, decision-making, and muscle control.
When you walk quickly and confidently, your brain is essentially demonstrating its ability to process information rapidly and execute decisions efficiently. It’s like a real-time intelligence test happening with every step.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh found that walking speed at age 65 could predict cognitive decline better than many traditional tests. People who maintained faster walking speeds showed less brain shrinkage and better mental performance over time.
The biological explanation is straightforward: faster walking indicates better cardiovascular health, which means more oxygen and nutrients reaching your brain. It also suggests stronger neural pathways between different brain regions.
“Think of walking speed as your brain’s way of advertising its processing power,” explains Dr. Lisa Park, a cognitive behavioral scientist. “People with sharper minds naturally move more decisively through the world.”
What this means for your daily life
Before you start sprinting everywhere, remember that correlation isn’t causation. You can’t simply walk faster and become a genius overnight. However, the research does suggest some practical insights.
Fast walkers tend to share certain mental habits that contribute to their success:
- They make decisions more quickly and confidently
- They’re better at multitasking and managing competing priorities
- They show greater mental resilience under stress
- They have stronger focus and attention control
The good news? Walking speed can be influenced by lifestyle choices. Regular exercise, mental challenges, and staying socially engaged all tend to maintain or improve your natural walking pace as you age.
Interestingly, some companies have started paying attention to this research. Forward-thinking employers are designing office spaces that encourage more walking and observing how movement patterns correlate with employee performance and innovation.
That doesn’t mean slow walkers are doomed to failure. Many factors influence success, and walking speed is just one indicator among many. Some people naturally move more deliberately due to personality, health conditions, or cultural background.
The key insight is that walking speed often reflects underlying cognitive and physical health—both of which are important for long-term success and wellbeing.
FAQs
Can I improve my walking speed to boost my brain power?
Yes, regular exercise and brain training can naturally increase your walking speed by improving coordination and cognitive processing.
What’s considered a “fast” walking speed?
Research typically defines fast walking as anything above 1.2 meters per second, or about 2.7 miles per hour.
Do cultural differences affect walking speed?
Absolutely. Cities like New York and London have faster average walking speeds than smaller towns, but the brain-speed connection appears consistent across cultures.
Should I worry if I’m naturally a slow walker?
Not necessarily. Many factors influence walking speed, including age, health conditions, and personal preference. Focus on maintaining your cognitive health through various activities.
Is there an optimal walking speed for cognitive benefits?
Studies suggest that maintaining whatever feels like a brisk, purposeful pace for you provides the best cognitive benefits, rather than trying to hit a specific speed.
Can walking speed predict career success?
While walking speed correlates with certain success markers, it’s just one factor. Drive, skills, opportunity, and many other elements matter more for career outcomes.
