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Not Making 10,000 Steps? 7,000 Works Too
While 10,000 steps a day is great, 7,000 daily steps may go a long way, according to a new study.
Keep on Moving
A new study finds that middle age people, who walked at least 7,000 steps a day on average, were 50 to 70 percent less likely to die of any cause over the next decade. This is compared to those who took fewer steps.
The study involved 2,110 adults ages 38 to 50 who in 2005 and 2006 wore a device called an accelerometer for about a week to track their steps. During the follow up period, which averaged almost 11 years, 72 of the participants died, most commonly from cancer or heart disease.
In analyzing the data, the researchers controlled for body mass index, smoking and other factors that could have affected the findings.
Results showed that people appeared to gain more health benefits the more steps they took, with greatest statistical reduction in mortality risk between 7,000 and 10,000 steps. After that, the benefits leveled off.
Quicker steps were not necessarily better, the study showed. Step intensity, or the number of steps per minute, didn’t influence the risk of dying.
For the average adult, taking 2,000 steps equals about one mile, depending on one’s stride.
Estimates show that people get as many as 5,000 steps a day just going about regular activities of daily living.
The study was published in the journal, “JAMA Network Open.”
Take a Walk
A regular brisk walk can help you:
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Improve muscle endurance
- Improve your balance and coordination
- Improve your mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
- Increase energy levels
- Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
- Prevent or manage various conditions
- Reduce stress and tension
- Strengthen immune system
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
The faster, more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits.
What IAA has to Say
Insurance Administrator of America wants you to get moving! Get yourself in the habit of taking a walk every day. IAA knows your body will thank you.
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This entry was posted on September 29th, 2021 at 01:18:00 pm by BlogMe@iaatpa.net (IAA) and is filed under Exercise.