We all have heard the famous proverb “health is wealth”. We need to take care of our health for a healthy and long-lasting life. With the growing trend of technology, people tend to have a very sedentary lifestyle.
There is a need to move our body and keep it active to prevent many serious diseases. Walking is the easiest and most convenient way to do it. Walking gives a lot of benefits for our physical and mental health. This article will discuss how many steps per day can keep serious diseases at bay.
The importance of walking
Walking is one of the best and safest physical activities for all ages. People of any fitness level can do it easily.
Walking helps in improving cardio-respiratory fitness, lowering blood pressure, improving blood sugar, reducing the risk of stroke, and many other health benefits. The most significant advantage of walking is that it costs nothing and requires no equipment.
How many steps per day are required for good health?
According to the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), people aged 18-65-year-old should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week. It equals approximately 10,000 steps per day.
This number is a guideline to remind people to get out of sedentary behavior and do some physical activity.
Research and studies on walking
Several research studies have been conducted to prove the benefits of walking. In a study, it was found that regular walking could reduce the risk of chronic diseases by 50%.
The risk of type 2 diabetes can be reduced by 60% if a person walks for 10,000 steps per day.
Another study showed that walking for 30 minutes per day reduces the risk of heart disease by 19%. Walking can also help people lose weight and burn calories. A person can burn 80-100 calories by walking for 1000 steps.
The benefits of walking
Walking offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Some of the benefits are:.
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Strengthens the bones and muscles
- Improves mental health and mood
- Reduces the risk of many serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Burns calories and helps in weight loss
Tips for increasing steps per day
Here are some tips to increase the number of steps per day:.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Take short walks during lunch breaks
- Park the car farther away from the destination
- Walk to the nearby store instead of driving
- Stand up and walk while talking on the phone
- Take a walk after dinner
Conclusion
Walking is an easy and effective way to get a lot of health benefits. Walking 10,000 steps per day can keep many serious diseases at bay. It is a low-impact physical activity that people of any fitness level can perform.
It can be done anytime, anywhere, and it costs nothing. Therefore, including walking in our daily routine is essential for good health and longevity.