We have all heard the prominent advice to take 10,000 steps a day for better health. But is it necessary to fit exactly 10,000 steps every day? And what benefits does daily walking bring? Well, here you can learn the truth behind the 10,000 goal and how simply walking every day can do wonders for your mind and body.
Why is walking so good for you?
Walking is one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise. It doesn’t require a gym membership, expensive equipment or even fancy workout clothes. You can start walking around your neighbourhood, in a park, at the mall or even indoors around your house.
Walking is a gentle cardio exercise that gets your heart pumping. Regular walking can lower blood pressure, improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Also, check out Newzhealth’s walking test calculator, here
Walking burns many calories, especially if you engage in brisk walking. If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, walking can be a powerful tool. Just 30 minutes a day can make a difference.
Walking, especially outdoors, can boost your mood, clear your mind, and even reduce your depression symptoms. It increases the production of feel-good hormones like endorphins.
Daily walking can help you strengthen your legs, hips and core. It also supports bone health and can reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis. Are you experiencing pain in your lower arches? Go for a walk.
So, is walking 10,000 steps beneficial?
The 10,000-step goal became prominent after a Japanese company created a 10,000-step pedometer back in the 1960s. Then the number caught on as a fitness goal worldwide.
Is it truly necessary to achieve 10,000 steps a day to maintain good health? Not necessarily. Research suggests that 7000 to 8000 steps per day can still offer major health benefits, especially if you are above 40. Research has linked as few as 4000 steps a day to a lower risk of early death.
The key is consistency and movement throughout the day, not just hitting any magic number. More walking is better than little, but perfection is not required.
Also Read | Walking over 100 minutes a day may lower chronic back pain risk: Study
Tips to add more steps to your day
If you want to walk more but feel too busy, don’t worry. You don’t have to carve a full hour every day. You can instead take the stairs or elevator. You can also try parking away from the store entrance, walking your dog or taking a quick stroll while talking on the phone. Set a timer to get up and walk for 5 minutes per hour. Small changes like these can help you build your steps without feeling overwhelmed.
If you can hit 10,000 steps every day, that’s great. But if you’re walking 6000 or 7000 steps daily, you are still doing something amazing for your health. The most important thing is to move your body regularly and make walking a part of your lifestyle.
