Walking can certainly be a good form of exercise that can help improve your overall health and well-being. It is a low-impact activity that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine and can provide a range of benefits, including:
- Improved cardiovascular health: Walking regularly can help improve your heart health by strengthening your heart and reducing your risk of heart disease.
- Weight management: Walking can help you burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.
- Improved mood and mental health: Walking can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, and improve your overall sense of well-being.
- Improved bone health: Walking can help strengthen your bones, which can reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Improved muscle strength and endurance: Walking can help build strength and endurance in your leg muscles, as well as your core and upper body if you incorporate hills or inclines into your route and carry hand weights.
However, while walking can certainly be a beneficial form of exercise, it may not be enough to keep you healthy on its own. In addition to regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and stress management are also important for maintaining good health.
How much walking should I do per day?
The amount of walking you should do per day depends on your individual fitness level, health goals, and lifestyle factors. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which can be achieved through activities like brisk walking.
If you are just starting out with a walking routine, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your walks. A general guideline is to aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking per day, five days per week. However, if you are able to walk for longer periods of time, or at a faster pace, you may want to aim for more than 30 minutes per day.
It’s important to listen to your body and adjust your walking routine as needed. If you experience any pain or discomfort while walking, or if you have any underlying health conditions, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting or changing your exercise routine.
What about studies that say you should reach 10,000 steps per day?
The idea of taking 10,000 steps per day as a goal for physical activity originated from a Japanese marketing campaign in the 1960s. Since then, various studies have shown that taking 10,000 steps per day can provide many health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and lower risk of chronic diseases.
However, it’s important to note that the 10,000-step goal may not be appropriate for everyone. Factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health can affect how much physical activity a person needs.
While 10,000 steps per day can be a useful goal for some people, it’s not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Photo by Dave Goudreau on Unsplash