Key Points:
- Walking 7,000 steps a day can significantly reduce the risk of early death, according to recent research.
- This aligns with the American Heart Association’s exercise recommendations, making it an achievable goal for many.
- Don’t worry if walking isn’t your thing; you can mix in other activities like swimming and cycling.
Is 7,000 steps the magic number for a healthier, longer life? It certainly seems so, based on a recent study. Researchers have discovered that individuals who routinely achieved around 7,000 steps daily enjoyed a 50% to 70% reduction in their risk of dying from all causes over an 11-year period, compared to those who took fewer steps.
Surprisingly, the speed at which these steps were taken didn’t seem to matter. This positive effect applied across various demographics, including race, income, smoking habits, weight, and diet.
The study examined data from 2,210 participants with an average age of 45 over two decades. Over half of the participants were women, and 42% were Black. Notably, individuals in the lowest step group had higher BMIs, reported poorer self-rated health, and had a higher prevalence of stage 2 hypertension and diabetes. It’s important to consider the potential impact of enduring racism and discrimination on these statistics.
The findings are encouraging, particularly for those who may find lofty exercise goals intimidating. Dr. Michael Tiso, a specialist in internal medicine and sports medicine, points out that some individuals might be discouraged by high exercise targets like the famous 10,000 steps per day, possibly thinking it’s unattainable. This study suggests that any exercise is better than none, providing motivation for people to initiate physical activity.
However, Dr. Tiso advises that while this research is promising, it’s essential to remember that one study isn’t sufficient to change overall health guidelines. Following public health recommendations and consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice remains crucial.
So, what do the guidelines say? The American Heart Association recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking. Alternatively, you can opt for 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activities, or a combination of both. Additionally, incorporate muscle-strengthening activities into your routine at least two days a week. Reducing sedentary time, even with light-intensity activity, can offset the risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Dr. Tiso reminds us that raising your heart rate is fundamental to improve cardiovascular fitness and can be achieved through various activities. For those who can’t walk 30 minutes or 7,000 steps daily, he recommends starting with a 5- to 10-minute walk and gradually increasing from there. Every little bit of activity counts, and it can become a part of your daily routine over time.
While the study focused on the health benefits of achieving 7,000 daily steps, the American Heart Association suggests that even more significant benefits can be gained by engaging in any combination of activities for at least 300 minutes per week, or about 5 hours spread across seven days. This is the ideal goal and may require a gradual buildup.
To get you started, here are some examples of moderate-intensity activities:
- Brisk walking (at least 2.5 miles per hour)
- Water aerobics
- Dancing (ballroom or social)
- Gardening
- Tennis (doubles)
- Biking slower than 10 miles per hour
As you progress and are ready for more intensity, you can explore activities like hiking uphill, running, swimming laps, aerobic dancing, or even heavy yard work. The key is to move more, with more intensity, and reduce prolonged periods of sitting.