Minimum number of steps to walk daily: Few people know about this
The exact number of steps to walk every day is revealed (photo: pixabay.com)
Walking is one of the most accessible and effective forms of physical exercise that we can incorporate into our daily routine. Is it necessary to take 10 thousand steps every day, as experts say?
Marca explains the minimum number of steps you should take daily.
How many steps should you walk every day?
Experts agree that taking between 4,000 and 10,000 steps per day is important for maintaining a healthy life. The World Health Organization (WHO) sets an ideal goal of walking 10,000 steps a day at a moderate pace, which equals approximately 5–6 kilometers, depending on your stride length.
However, some medical studies show that even reaching 4,000 steps can be beneficial, and aiming for 7,000 steps is recommended if possible.
A study conducted by the University of Sydney found that any daily step count above 2,200 is associated with a lower mortality rate and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This means that even a small amount of physical activity can have a positive impact on our overall health.
What are the benefits of walking?
The benefits of walking are numerous and go beyond simply counting steps. Each additional step towards your daily goal reduces your risk of death and cardiovascular disease. It has been found that for people with a very sedentary lifestyle, starting with just around 4,100 steps a day, the risk of death is reduced by 20%.
This finding highlights the importance of incorporating physical activity into our daily routines. Additionally, walking not only improves physical health, but it also has a positive effect on mental health. Regular physical activity is linked to reduced levels of stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Walking in the fresh air can provide extra benefits by allowing us to enjoy nature and elevate our mood.
Although walking 20,000 steps a day is still good for your health, walking 10,000 to 15,000 steps provides the greatest benefits. However, spending more than two hours a day walking requires significant commitment and may be exhausting for some people..
It's important to find a balance that works for you, considering factors like available time and your current fitness level. Incorporating short walks throughout the day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a stroll during lunch, can help you reach your goals without the need for long, intense sessions.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
