10,000 steps a day is recognised as a goal everyone should try and reach, but why? It is often promoted as a way to achieve the recommended amount of physical activity for good health. Since then, the recommendation has been widely adopted by health professionals and organizations around the world. The goal however, was largely thought to have been just plucked out of thin air as the number to strive for, until now.
The American Medical Association, or more specifically JAMA Neurology, conducted a study looking at the ‘Association of Daily Step Count and Intensity With Incident Dementia in 78 430 Adults Living in the UK.‘
The study found that the more steps you take a day, the lower the risk of incident all-cause dementia, with the optimal number of steps being 9,800 steps! The higher intensity of steps showed stronger associations.
Away from the study, its long been thought that walking a good number of steps can hold many benefits such as:
- Improved cardiovascular health: Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that can improve heart health by increasing your heart rate, strengthening your heart muscle, and improving blood circulation throughout your body.
- Weight management: Walking 10,000 steps a day can help you burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. This is especially important for people who spend a lot of time sitting or have a sedentary lifestyle.
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Regular physical activity, including walking, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.
- Improved mental health: Walking can improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It can also help you manage stress and improve cognitive function.
- Increased energy and stamina: Walking regularly can help improve your energy levels and overall stamina, making it easier to perform daily activities.
While walking 10,000 steps a day is a popular and easily remembered goal, it is not necessarily the only way to achieve the recommended amount of physical activity.
The World Health Organization recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, in addition to muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. Luckily for you, we have a blog covering the perfect work out you can do in the comfort of your own home! You can find that, here.
