Why should you do at least 10 thousand steps a day?

Have you heard of the theory of 10 thousand steps? Many doctors say that people should strive to pass at least 10 thousand steps a day, which is equivalent to a distance of about 9 kilometers.

How do you know how many steps you do every day?

Depending on your current level of activity, such a distance may seem quite large, but in this direction it is worthwhile to work. Any activity is better than nothing, so this distance can serve as a long-term goal, while you will achieve smaller, more realistic results in the short term.

In addition to modern devices that count the number of steps you have taken, many smartphones have applications for walking. In addition, conventional pedometers are also available nowadays. At the very least, this is a great tool that will allow you to track how active you are in your daily life.

If at work you have to be on your feet all day, then 10 thousand steps is unlikely to be a problem for you. But if you sit in the office at the table all day, it may seem that it is impossible to achieve this goal (although this is not so!). However, by tracking the number of steps, you will get the incentive to increase your motor activity during the day and make the necessary changes, such as walking to work, using a staircase instead of an elevator, visiting an aerobics class.

Goal history in 10 thousand steps

In the 1960s, Japanese-made pedometers appeared, which were called Mano-kei. From Japanese it is translated as "10 thousand steps". But although this theory itself is not based on scientific data, research shows that walking has many advantages, and 10,000 steps a day are good goals to be pursued.

One study showed that walking for at least 3 kilometers a day could reduce your chances of hospitalization due to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by about one and a half times.

Another study suggests that men aged 60 years can reduce the risk of stroke by using daily walking. Walking for one or two hours can reduce the risk of stroke by about 30%, regardless of the pace of the walk. The same study showed that a 3-hour walk reduces this risk by as much as 60%.

Walking is great for both passive and active people

Although walking can be an amazing tool for people who are overweight, or simply inactive, but it can give benefits to those whose lifestyle is more active. This amazing tool offers advantages not only for physical, but also mental health, for example, struggling with stress.

Unlike other, more intense forms of exercise such as aerobics or cardio, you do not need to give your body time to recover and relax after a walk, which makes walking an ideal activity that should be included in your daily schedule. Although it will help you lose a few pounds, it can not build muscle. Nevertheless, it is a useful tool for maintaining health, especially in old age.

Most people do not go 10 thousand steps a day

As already mentioned, 10 thousand steps is approximately 9 kilometers. But most people did not even come close to achieving this goal. According to the National Health Service of Great Britain, an average person runs from 3 to 4 thousand steps a day.

That's why using a pedometer is so useful. This will give you a real idea of how much you go through the day and how you can improve the situation. If you go really little, do not panic. Start small and increase the number of steps per 1000 each day. This goal is easily achievable. It can be achieved if you decide to go to work on foot, and not go, or take a walk in the park after dinner. Or you can have a dog, because it will actually make you move. You will be surprised at how quickly the number of steps you go through is changing, thanks to these innovations.

You can also share your goal with your friends, and they will provide you with additional support and company during the walk. This will not only improve your friendly relations, but will also increase the time spent by you in the open air. And, as you know, open air brings a lot of benefits to your health.

Incredibly, research has proven that if you walk at least two minutes every hour, you can increase your life expectancy by 33%, compared to people who do not.

Walking also reduces stress

Stress is one of the main causes of many diseases, so it is not for nothing called a "silent killer." But scientists have proven that walking reduces the level of stress and helps you feel more relaxed and at ease. Other studies have even shown that it can reduce depression.

This is a simple and natural activity that offers an amazing number of health benefits. Start walking more today, and you will see how your life will change.

What steps are worth taking?

As mentioned above, take as many steps as possible every day. Of course, you do not have to track the exact number of them daily, but it would be very useful to get an idea of how much you actually pass a day. Therefore, before you start any changes, it is worth to begin to purchase a pedometer. In addition, these devices are inexpensive and easy to use.