How Walking Benefits Your Health
The value of walking 10,000 steps a day has been hotly debated. About two months ago I was surprised to learn that the number 10,000 was originally pulled out of the air by a Japanese pedometer company in the 1960s.
However, ironically, in the past couple of years, the Journal of American Medicine and other reputable science-based publications have presented data that suggest that the health benefits associated with walking about 10,000 steps daily are considerable and include (to name just a few):
Positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, glucose regulation
Delivering oxygen-rich blood to our muscles and organs
Boosting important mitochondria production all over your body including your brain (and thereby helping to reduce the onset of dementia
Preventing and surviving cancer.
I would add that walking is great for boosting your mood and enhancing your creativity.
Of course, if you are ill or injured, you need to recover before trying to achieve 10,000 steps a day.
However, for those of us who do not have a compromising condition, walking 10,000 steps a day is like eating an apple a day - it may help keep the doctor away. And it is achievable if you build up to it and make a habit of taking short walk breaks through your day, walk up stairs instead of taking the elevator, park farther away from a store rather than right outside the door.
All you need is a good pair of supportive walking shoes, comfortable clothing, and good weather if you are walking outside. If it's a day of non-stop rain, you can walk inside while watching inspirational indoor walking videos on YouTube!
I have been walking about 13,000 steps a day for several years and consider it to be one of the pillars of my "ShineAfter50" lifestyle. It clears my head, gets me out into the fresh air, gives my dog exercise, and enables me to appreciate the trees and flowers all around me.
Consider starting with a 10-15 minute walk after your dinner tonight - a good habit that will help your digestion and your sleep.