You’ve likely heard that taking 10,000 steps a day is the ideal number to hit to reap health benefits, but is this true?
Studies have shown 10,000 steps a day can improve blood pressure and weight loss, boost your well-being and reduce your risk for heart disease.
However a new study from the United Kingdom followed 111 postal workers and found those who took 15,000 steps or more a day had almost no risk for heart disease.
Fifteen thousand steps could take you roughly 3 ½ hours. That’s a lot of time many of you don’t have.
My concern is not the number of steps you take, but that you reduce the amount of sitting many of you are doing. Our lifestyles have changed and we’re too sedentary and inactive.
Walking is a great way to get movement into your life and improve your health so here are my prescriptions:
- Set an initial goal. If you haven’t been active on a regular basis, set small goals like walking 3-5 minutes.
- Walk at a comfortable pace and step it up to a brisk walk as you feel stronger.
- Add more distance to your walks as your stamina increases.
- If you sit a lot due to work, age or health conditions, try to stand and stretch at least once an hour.
People who are stationary or inactive take between 1,000 and 3,000 steps a day. That’s not a lot.
You should aim for at least 5,000 steps a day, ideally 7,500.
Our bodies were not created to sit all day and your health will suffer if you do!
