About National Walking Day
The American Heart Association declared the first Wednesday of April National Walking Day.
The benefits of walking include:
- Improving your cardiovascular health and function
- Increasing your aerobic capacity
- Improving blood pressure
- Controlling your blood sugar and reducing your risk of diabetes
- Increasing your metabolism
- Maintaining your weight
- Reducing your risk or osteoarthritis
- Maintaining mobility
- Lowering your risk of dementia
How many steps to take each day?
The number of steps you should take every day depends on your age, sex, weight, height, and physical activity level. However, a general guideline for healthy adults is to aim for at least 10,000 steps per day. This number is based on the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been shown to have health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
It's important to note that while 10,000 steps per day is a good goal to aim for, it's not a one-size-fits-all recommendation. If you're just starting out or have a sedentary lifestyle, it may be helpful to gradually increase your step count over time. Additionally, if you have any health conditions or concerns, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.
