While walking 10,000 steps a day is beneficial for health, it's not always easy to achieve. Fear not! A study reveals that the risk of premature death decreases even with fewer than 5,000 steps.
Here's an explanation.
Walking is vital for the body! This simple action, should be practiced regularly. Note that consistency is more important than intensity. By doing so, you move your body a little every day, and even 15 to 30 minutes of daily walking has health benefits. So, put on your sneakers and enjoy strolling, walking home, or going to get your bread without using the car.
What are the benefits of daily walking?
Besides being an accessible physical activity, walking brings well-being. Putting one foot in front of the other for several minutes stimulates the production of molecules responsible for brain health.
By engaging in this activity, you oxygenate your blood more due to deeper breathing.
Your lungs stay healthy. As for your vision, it remains sharp through walking, as this movement preserves the entire visual cortex.
Another significant benefit of walking is improved digestion. To the list, add prevention against diseases and heart problems, as walking strengthens your heart. And of course, your muscles are toned. Regular walking takes care of your health.
How many steps should you walk per day?
Now, it's important to know the right pace to reap all the benefits of walking.
The myth of 10,000 steps persists (a marketing idea for a pedometer advertisement). While walking 10,000 steps is not harmful to your health, it can be difficult to achieve daily: work, metro, sleep.
Since then, many studies have revised this number downward.
In August 2023, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) conducted "the world's largest study" showing "the more you walk, the lower your risk of death, even with fewer than 5,000 steps."
This new study suggests that 3,867 steps per day are enough to reduce the risk of premature death, heart disease, and other health issues.
With this data, you no longer need to pressure yourself. However, the study makes an important observation to keep in mind: "the more you walk, the better." So, if you have the time and energy to take 10,000 steps a day, by all means, go for it.
Remember that sedentarism doesn't bring anything good for health. You don't have to take up Nordic walking or intense jogging, even though both disciplines are excellent for health. But walking requires little effort and also does wonders for morale.
