Recent research indicates that taking an energetic walk can improve brain function and well-being, in addition to physical health.«Even if you manage to walk a little each day, your body responds to this exercise and you reap the benefits,» says Long.». Discover what other articles our readers are reading right now: Nayara Bocas del Toro solidifies itself as a sanctuary of well-being and relaxation with the opening of the Colibrí Spa. The article «Benefits of counting steps: Mayo Clinic expert explains the ideal number and its effects on health» appears first on Panama News Daily. So, whether you're walking your dog for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 in the evening, taking a brisk 30-minute walk, or spending an hour moving around the house or working in the garden, all those steps count.«The best way to start tracking your steps is to go slow and be consistent.». From 4,000 to 8,000: The number of steps where step counting reaches its maximum reduction in mortality. Walking helps control blood pressure, manage stress, improve sleep, and maintain independence in old age, regardless of how steps accumulate throughout the day. Although there isn't a magic number, the greatest reduction in mortality is observed between 4,000 and 8,000 daily steps, with benefits extending up to 10,000.«Additionally, it can help medications work better.». Long states that there isn't really a magic number of steps to get these benefits.«If you can reach 10,000 steps a day, that's great. You could also consider getting a treadmill and using it while watching TV or preparing meals in the kitchen.». When you're advised to take a brisk walk, what exactly does that mean? Walking has a cumulative effect on your body throughout the day. The average walking speed you should aim for is 4.8 to 5.6 km/h, something a device can help you measure.«After 10,000, you will still see benefits, but they start to plateau.». The way you get your steps really doesn't matter, says Long. If you can walk faster safely, that's great.«Incorporate more steps into your day by parking farther from entrances, walking around your home while waiting for the microwave to beep, and making several trips to carry packages instead of carrying everything at once.». But what is the right number of steps? And that's what counts, adds Long.«Brisk» is different for each person, says Long. Listen to your body — it will tell you if you're trying to do too much,» advises Long. One study has shown that 10,000 daily steps can reduce premature mortality, and most of that reduction happens between 4,000 and 8,000 steps,» says Long. You might not be out of breath, but your breathing is clearly more accelerated. However, walking slowly is better than not walking at all and will still provide you with the benefits of moving your body. The talk test is a simple way to identify the appropriate intensity, suggests Long. And are there types of steps that are better for you than others? Mackenzie Long, a personal trainer in physical therapy and sports medicine at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse and Onalaska, Wisconsin, explains.«Whether you track your steps with your mobile phone, a smartwatch, or a pedometer, the result is the same: you'll have a good indicator of how much you move throughout the day,» says Long.». The ultimate goal is to move for 150 minutes a week. This is what walking can help you do: Control your blood pressure. Lose weight or maintain it. Improve balance and coordination. Increase core strength. Manage stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins. Control your diabetes. Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Stay strong and active. Walking has also been shown to: Improve sleep. Slow mental decline. Reduce the risk of dementia. Reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Help you live longer. Maintain your independence in old age.«If you are on a medically-assisted weight loss journey, whether through bariatric surgery or a GLP-1 medication, being physically active will help you burn calories, gain strength, maintain muscle mass and bone density, and promote sustainable weight loss,» explains Long.». If you are able to talk but find it difficult to hold a full conversation, that is your 'brisk' pace.«The best device for you is the one you are going to use.». Many devices allow you to set alerts and goals that remind you to move. (04/Dec/2025 – web – Panama24Horas.com.pa) La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States. — Perhaps you have heard about the health benefits of tracking your steps.
