LIVE A LONGER LIFE WITH THE MAGIC NUMBER OF DAILY STEPS
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Your daily step count can swing based on the day of the week, your plans, or how you're feeling. Maybe you start some days with a lively walk or take your dog for an adventurous hike. Other times, you might pace on a walking pad during work calls. If you're aiming to make walking a regular part of your routine, you'll be excited to learn that a recent study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has identified an attainable daily step count that could help you live longer.
Regular exercise is a key player in maintaining a long, healthy life, protecting against numerous chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Yet, statistics from 2022 show that only a fraction of adults in the U.S. engage in daily physical activities.
Here's a look at your various options when it comes to step trackers and pedometers and how to get the most out of your daily step-counting efforts.
Here's some motivating news: a study has pinpointed the ideal number of daily steps for maximizing health benefits, and it's less than you might think. While 10,000 steps a day has been a popular goal, researchers have found that 8,000 steps could be the sweet spot for extending your lifespan.
This conclusion comes from a comprehensive review and meta-analysis led by the University of Granada, which looked at data from over 110,000 participants across 12 studies. It turns out, the health perks of walking can be achieved with fewer than 10,000 steps a day.
Lead researcher Francisco B. Ortega debunked the old 10,000-step myth, emphasizing that their findings support the idea that more steps are beneficial, without a harmful upper limit. Walking 8,000 steps, roughly four miles, especially at a brisk pace, can significantly lower the risk of premature death.
The study highlights a straightforward goal for physical activity, making it easier for people to monitor their progress with the convenience of smartphones or smartwatches, aligning with the advice to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. So get out there and enjoy the outdoors while increasing your life span.
Running and walking are both beneficial to your health, but choosing one will depend on your health goals.
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