Walking 10,000 steps
Walking 10,000 steps a day has become a popular fitness goal. The idea behind this goal is to encourage people to lead a more active lifestyle and reduce the risks associated with a inactive lifestyle.
The 10,000 steps target was first introduced in Japan in the 1960s as part of a marketing campaign for a pedometer. Since then, it has been widely adopted by health organisations around the world, including the NHS.
The NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, such as brisk walking, in addition to strength exercises on two or more days a week. Walking 10,000 steps a day is a simple way to meet this target and improve your health.
Walking has a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It can also help to improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety and increasing feelings of happiness and well-being.
In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, walking can also have social benefits. Walking with friends or joining a walking group can provide a great opportunity to socialise and meet new people, while enjoying the outdoors.
Walking 10,000 steps a day may seem like a daunting task, but it is achievable for most people. It is recommended to start slowly and gradually increase the number of steps you take each day. You can also break up your walking throughout the day, for example by taking a walk during your lunch break or walking to the shops instead of driving.
There are also a number of tools available to help you track your steps, such as pedometers or fitness trackers. Many smartphones also have built-in step counters that can be used to monitor your daily activity.
In addition to walking, there are many other ways to increase your physical activity levels, such as cycling, swimming or dancing. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and can stick to in the long-term.
The benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day are clear, but it is important to remember that physical activity is just one part of a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and managing stress are also important for overall health and well-being.
‘For Men To Talk – Biggleswade… and Walk’ is held on the 2nd Sunday every month at 9.15am. starting from Jones’ Cafe in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
‘For Men To Talk – Bedford… and Walk’ is held every Thursday from 13 July 2023 until the end of 2023 at 6pm. See ‘For Men To Talk – Bedford‘ for further information.