Walking is an inexpensive form of exercise that many people of various abilities and ages can do. What about those 10,000 steps a day that many fitness apps recommend?
Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, says there is no magic number of steps per day that people should strive for because everyone is different. What matters most, he says, is that people are moving.
“Walking is perhaps the easiest, most affordable and one of the most effective types of physical activity humans can do,” says Dr. Lopez-Jimenez.
How many daily steps should you take? It depends.
“For a 25-to-30-year-old person, walking 6,000 steps a day is probably too little, whereas for an 85-year-old person, walking 5,000 steps is actually very good,” he says.
And make walking part of your daily routine. Use the stairs, walk your dog, or park away from the store entrance.
“People should be walking every day, even for a few minutes at a time, and even if it is just 15 or 20 minutes,” says Dr. Lopez-Jimenez.
Take a break from your desk and take a walk. It’s good for your head and heart.
“Walking has many beneficial effects on our health — not just cardiovascular but even mental health,” he says.
Tips to add more steps to your day
- Take the dog for a walk or find a walking buddy.
- Head to the mall.
- Include the family.
- Walk while waiting.
- Schedule workday walks.
- Park farther away.
- Take the stairs.
- Set personal goals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. There are different goals for people of different ages and abilities.
Related posts:
- How do I lower stress and anxiety?
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Invest now for better heart health later
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Lifestyle changes to reduce heart attack and stroke risk
The post Mayo Clinic Minute: Walking is a step toward heart health appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
This article originally appeared here and was republished with permission.
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://southfloridareporter.com/mayo-clinic-minute-walking-is-a-step-toward-heart-health/&media=https://southfloridareporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/diverse-people-holding-hands-running-park.jpg&description="People should be walking every day, even for a few minutes at a time, and even if it is just 15 or 20 minutes."){kind=link}