Do We Really Need 10,000 Steps A Day To Stay Fit?
By Shantanu Sodhi +2 more
By Shantanu Sodhi +2 more
Everyone of us knows how important regular walks can be for good health. It may seem like a relatively simple exercise but it has tonnes of health benefits and it is also one of the easiest ways to keep our minds healthy and fresh. Having said that, have you ever thought about how many steps a day you should take or if it really matters and does the number affect your wellbeing?
Let us take a quick look at the advantages of a daily session of brisk walking-
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While you may hear it often and be instructed by your fitness tracking devices to take 10,000 steps a day, note that it doesn’t necessarily have to be the best option. You can decide your own pace and take time to up your current steps. The good news is walking around 7,000 to 8,000 steps daily is equally good, rather better.
While setting goals can motivate you to do better, you must note that it is not necessary to meet a certain target. Walking helps you stay fit, you may include it as a part of an exercise and it does not mean that if you don’t walk 10,000 steps a day, it is useless. Similarly, it does not mean walking 10,000 steps a day ensures additional health benefits.
Studies and research shows that sitting for long durations is not good for one’s health. Movement of any kind, such as exercise, walking, running or any physical activity has positive results. Not only health benefits but these can also help you focus and think better.
If you are thinking about how many calories are burned in 10,000 steps, you should first understand that each individual tends to function differently. While some may burn around 300-400 calories in 10,000 steps, some may burn way less. The factors that matter in this case are your body weight, height, fitness level, pace and the area you are walking in.
Walking is often linked with weight loss and only when you consume fewer calories or burn more calories than consumed, can you achieve weight loss goals successfully. When you adopt a healthy lifestyle and you are determined to stay active, you can manage your weight healthily. Walking 10,000 steps a day was nothing but a marketing strategy and is not proven to be the healthiest goal.
”Walking can help improve the quality of one’s life, increasing energy levels, improving sleep quality, helping with mood, as well as slowing mental decline,” Wong said. It is advised to have a purpose for walking, it could be weight management, health concerns, mental wellbeing or even just the need for a break. This helps make the walks more meaningful and helps you see results. 10,000 steps is an achievable and great goal but remember that it is not a must to stay healthy. Set your goals based on your individual health profile and increase them gradually to enjoy the benefits of good health.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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