There is a “magic” figure that is often repeated when it comes to how far to walk to maintain a healthy physical condition: 10,000 steps per day. It is also stated that the stride of a person of average height reaches about 80 centimeters. Those 10,000 steps are equivalent to about eight kilometers. In general, doctors and other specialists agree that walking that distance every day is a worthwhile and reasonable goal.
Even though it looks simple and is often done in daily activities, it turns out that walking has many health benefits, you know. In fact, walking is included in a mild type of exercise that can be done anytime and anywhere. Not only that, but routine walking can also help burn excess calories, increase stamina, and make your heart healthier.
Many health experts around the world advise adults to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. The habit of walking is said to provide health benefits for the body as a whole. However, this is still a matter of debate among experts. Some say that walking is a habit that can provide health benefits. Therefore, there is no need for a reference on how many steps to take per day.
This means that you are advised to walk as much as possible. Even if you are a very busy person or an office worker who spends a lot of time behind the computer, walking is still important. You can steal time during lunch breaks, for example by walking with colleagues to the place to eat or the restaurant you want to go to.
Besides that, you can also take advantage of your time in the middle of work to just take a small walk. Going up and downstairs, going around a building, or deliberately looking for a detour to get to the toilet are all ways you can save the number of steps you take in one day.
Health Benefits of Walking
Walking is a simple activity that can provide many benefits to the body. So, you don’t get lazy about walking anymore, you need to know what the benefits are!
Increase Immunity
Routine walking can help increase immunity so that it is not susceptible to disease, especially the flu. Getting used to walking can actually prevent disease. A study conducted on more than 1,000 men and women found that people who walked at least 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week were less likely to catch the flu.
Lowering the Risk of Dementia
In addition to the body, walking can also provide benefits for the brain. One of them is to improve memory and the brain’s ability to focus. Not only that, for people who are elderly, walking 11 km per week can help reduce the risk of brain shrinkage.
Ideal body weight
The risk of developing various dangerous diseases has increased by having excess body weight. Therefore, it is important to maintain an ideal body weight to avoid the risk of diseases that attack.
Reduces Joint Pain
The benefits of walking also have an impact on the joints because it can protect the joints, especially the knees and hips which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis. The benefits of walking can also help lubricate joints and build muscle.
Last words
Although there are recommendations to walk 10,000 steps, according to recent studies this number is not really necessary, because less than that number is still beneficial for health. Therefore, increase the number of walks every day so that you can feel the benefits such as maintaining a healthy body, maintaining an ideal body weight, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and preventing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
