Walking 10,000 steps a day has long been linked to a reduced risk of dementia, heart disease, cancer and death. But experts have now discovered that the fast walk had benefits that go beyond the number of steps recorded.
Walk faster and increase your heart rate to improve your health
The doctor Matthew Ahmadi is the co-author of the study. A researcher at the Charles Perkins Center and the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, he explains: “The take-home message here is that to get beneficial health effects, people should not only aim for 10,000 steps daily, but also walk faster“. However, it is not only a question of targeting the most athletic. People who are less active can also benefit from it for their health. “For people who are less active, our study further demonstrates that a minimum of 3,800 steps per day can reduce the risk of dementia by 25%. » writes the teacher Borja del Pozo Cruz health researcher at the University of Southern Denmark.
health on the move
According to his research, reaching 10,000 steps daily in increments of 2,000 steps reduces the risk of premature death by 8 to 11%. Similar links were observed for cardiovascular disease and cancer incidence. A faster pace also shows positive results for heart disease, cancer, dementia and death, beyond the total number of daily steps taken. Walking 9,800 steps would actually be the optimal number of daily steps. This figure would allow a 50% reduction in the risk of dementia. The study was carried out using trackers worn on the wrist by the people studied. Dr Ahmadi said: “The scope of these studies now constitute strong evidence suggesting that 10,000 steps per day is the sweet spot for health benefits and that walking faster is associated with additional benefits” , said.