Any form of physical activity proves beneficial to different aspects of our health. Walking is the most basic activity that helps maintain muscle function and strength while also strengthening the bones. The 10,000-step phenomenon has been a sort of benchmark for how much one should ideally walk in a day, to maintain optimum body function and flexibility. Initially, it was put down by critics as they claimed it to be a publicity stunt to bring pedometers into the fitness market. This is now being refuted by studies that have proven its advantages not only to muscle functioning but also to keep many illnesses at bay.
A study conducted with over 75,000 participants over 7 years indicated that walking over 10,000 steps a day lessened the chances of cardiovascular-linked diseases like heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. It also significantly brought down the chances of 13 different types of cancer and dementia. It isn’t absolutely necessary for one to walk the whole 10,000 steps to reap its health benefits. While it was recorded that walking about 9,800 steps per day decreased the chances of dementia by 50%, walking just 3000 steps brought down its possibilities by 25%. Walking 2000 steps per day lowers the risk of premature death by 8-10%. Walking is the best form of physiotherapy treatment as well. This proves that walking does have its own advantages not just to mental and physical well-being, but also as a precaution against many illnesses.
Here are a few health benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day:
- Weight Loss
Walking 10k would cover over 5 miles or 8 kilometersapproximately and walking a minimum of 3000 steps at a brisk pace in the routine will result in calory loss which will eventually result in weight loss.
- Mind Flush
Walking helps clear the mind of all the toxicity it’s put through, allows for new ideas to flow, and encourages creativity. This helps calm the mind to better tackle a new day’s pressures.
- Improves Sleep
Taking more steps than usual every day is enough to give you a restful night’s sleep. One could try walking for 20 minutes during their lunch break or walking their pets a few blocks more than usual to see its benefits on sleep.
- Decreases Anxiety and Depression:
Studies have proven that taking a short walk could settle a depressed mood to continue one’s daily function. This has proven useful in calming an anxiety attack as well. The increased air intake and regulated heart rate help calm the mind.
- Improves Blood Pressure
When the heart is stronger it can pump blood with lesser effort, and this can be achieved with regular walks. A routine walk every day helps stabilize blood pressure.
- Stabilizes Blood Glucose
Walking results in the muscles utilizing more glucose. This lowers blood sugar levels and makes the body sensitive to insulin, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Reduced Risk of Heart Attacks
While walks can strengthen the heart, it helps, in the long run, to keep a heart attack at bay. Many studies have proven that walking has cardiovascular disease-related health benefits.
At Lootah Santhigiri we promote the ideology of an active body and an active mind. Walking is one of our most prescribed activities and the overtime health gains have proven to be beneficial to a wide range of conditions. Walks are good not just for physical health but for mental health as well, so it is most advised to try and fit a walk into your daily routine. If you find it a problem to walk, visit Lootah Santhigiri Holistic Health Centre and consult our doctors from a premium physiotherapy center in Dubai.
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