Spring awakens nature, as animals come out of hibernation and trees and flowers bloom once more. As the days get longer and the temperatures warmer, it can also be an opportunity to step out the door and get some walking in—or even commit to a daily 10k step walking goal.
Why 10k Steps?
Walking 10,000 steps a day has been a fitness world mantra for a long time. The number initially came from a Japanese company during the 1960s and has since become a widespread statistic.
Still, the research varies on exactly how many steps are needed. Using a wearable personal health tracker and talking to your doctor can help you understand how much walking your body needs to accomplish your calorie-burning and overall weight-loss goals.
Tips on Walking the Walk
Walking is a form of exercise that nearly anyone can take advantage of. It’s much easier than many other exercises for beginners. Walking is a great low-impact workout with a lower risk of injury. Plus, it doesn’t cost anything—just lace up a walking-friendly pair of shoes. Let’s put some spring in that step!
Do your errands on “hard mode”Humans used to walk—a lot. Then we got cars, and now there’s less need to use our own two legs to transport us around. Still, this shift to a more sedentary lifestyle means missing out on the benefits of walking. To counter this, try to work in walking challenges throughout your day, such as taking the stairs, parking further away from the entrance, or choosing to walk somewhere you’d normally drive.
Have man’s best workout buddy tag alongDo you know who loves to walk? Dogs. If you’re lucky enough to have a furry friend to accompany you, taking your dog for a walk (or two) is a great way to incorporate daily exercise into your routine. You may even find your dog’s positive attitude about the exercise contagious.
Make it a walk and talk
One under-appreciated benefit of walking versus other exercises is that you’re less likely to get out of breath. This makes walking a talking-friendly workout. Take your phone calls while walking or schedule a regular walk with a friend to transform a simple exercise into an opportunity for connection.
Have a post-meal walk
Some cultures have specific foods or drinks they consume after meals to aid digestion. But walking might be the ultimate digestif. A quick post-meal walk has been shown in studies of older adults with diabetes to be beneficial in balancing blood sugar.
Take your walk indoors
Walking outside is great (especially as the weather gets warmer), but walking on the treadmill can be just as effective and a safer option, depending on where you live. Another option is an under-the-desk treadmill, which can help those who work from home get steps in while answering emails.
As you may glean from these tips, one of the best parts of walking is just how accessible it is. Walking is an activity that you can embrace for life. Mixing it up with trail hikes or walking tours in a city can keep walking from ever getting boring.
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