2024-09-08 10:24:00
Particularly popular during the sunny days, hiking in the great outdoors is attracting more and more French people for the well-being it provides. The view of Doctor Martin Ducret, doctor and journalist at Doctor’s Daily.
franceinfo: Is it important to walk every day, not just during the holidays?
Absolutely, whether it is to get around town, in the countryside, in the water (we call it coastal walking), or in a more technical way like Nordic walking with poles, walking has many benefits for our health. Walking is good for the heart and arteries, it helps fight high blood pressure, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease such as stroke or myocardial infarction, and it improves blood circulation in the legs, venous return. Walking also helps limit the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, better control your weight and fight osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones more fragile. It is also good for the head and mind, since it limits age-related cognitive decline, reduces stress and protects against depression.
How far, or how many steps, should you walk each day to have positive health effects?
In my opinion, every step taken is beneficial for health. So we should walk whenever we can in our daily lives, take the stairs instead of the elevator or prefer walking rather than the car and public transport for short trips. From a scientific point of view, a recent study published in the British Journal of sports medicine showed that 10,000 steps per day were the optimal target to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, and that benefits were already seen from 4,000 steps per day.
In addition to its health benefits, walking has the advantage of being a very accessible activity?
Yes, walking is inexpensive, can be done at any age, and has a low risk of injury. In our increasingly sedentary and screen-overexposed societies, “Walking is a great way to get back into physical activity. underlines Madeleine Lebranchu, vice-president of the French Hiking Federation. Moreover, for several years this federation has been offering its members “health hikes” – that is, group hikes, supervised and adapted to the state of health of each person – and it will soon offer urban circuits (a type of hike in the city) to allow as many people as possible to walk actively in the metropolis in complete safety.
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Table of Contents
The Power of Walking: Unlocking Its Numerous Health Benefits
As the sun shines bright, many of us are drawn to the great outdoors, and one popular activity that comes to mind is walking. Whether it’s hiking in the countryside, strolling along the coastal paths, or simply taking a walk around the block, walking has become an increasingly popular form of exercise. But why is walking so beneficial for our health, and how can we incorporate it into our daily lives to reap its rewards?
Why Walking is Good for Our Health
Walking is an excellent way to reduce the risk of serious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer [1[1[1[1[1[1[1[1]. Regular walking can also improve cardiovascular fitness, lower resting heart rate, and have wide-ranging benefits throughout the body [2[2[2[2[2[2[2[2]. Additionally, walking can help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, and even improve cognitive function [3[3[3[3[3[3[3[3].
The Benefits of Walking for Our Heart and Arteries
Walking is particularly beneficial for our heart and arteries, helping to fight high blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve blood circulation in the legs and venous return. By incorporating walking into our daily routine, we can significantly lower our risk of stroke or myocardial infarction.
The Importance of Walking for Our Mind and Body
Walking is not only good for our physical health, but it also has numerous benefits for our mental well-being. Regular walking can help reduce stress, protect against depression, and even limit age-related cognitive decline. With the increasing sedentary nature of our modern lifestyles, walking is an excellent way to get back into physical activity and improve our overall health.
How Many Steps Should You Take Each Day?
So, how many steps should we aim for each day to reap the benefits of walking? According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, 10,000 steps per day is the optimal target to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality [source[source[source[source[source[source[source[source]. However, benefits can be seen from as little as 4,000 steps per day. The key is to make walking a regular part of our daily routine, whether it’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator or preferring to walk instead of drive for short trips.
The Accessibility of Walking
One of the greatest advantages of walking is its accessibility. Walking is an inexpensive activity that can be done at any age, with minimal risk of injury. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, walking is an excellent way to get back into physical activity and improve your overall health.
Conclusion
walking is an incredibly beneficial activity that offers numerous health benefits for our heart, arteries, mind, and body. By incorporating walking into our daily routine, we can reduce our risk of serious diseases, improve our physical and mental health, and increase our overall well-being. So, why not lace up those walking shoes and get moving today?
Here’s a list of relevant People Also Ask (PAA) questions for the title **The Importance of Walking for a Healthy Lifestyle**:
The Importance of Walking for a Healthy Lifestyle
As the French doctor and journalist, Dr. Martin Ducret, emphasizes, walking is an essential activity for our overall well-being, particularly during sunny days. With the increasing popularity of hiking in the great outdoors, more and more people are recognizing the numerous health benefits of walking. In this article, we will explore the reasons why walking is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and how it can reduce the risk of serious diseases.
Health Benefits of Walking
Walking is an excellent form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits, including:
Reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes [1]
Improving cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness [3]
Lowering blood pressure and strengthening the heart [2]
Improving management of conditions like osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes [3]
* Limiting age-related cognitive decline, reducing stress, and protecting against depression [2]
How Many Steps Should You Take Daily?
While every step taken is beneficial for health, a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that taking 10,000 steps per day can minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, with benefits seen from as few as 4,000 steps per day.
Accessibility of Walking
One of the significant advantages of walking is its accessibility. It is an inexpensive activity that can be done at any age and has a low risk of injury. Walking can be incorporated into daily life by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving for short trips, or participating in group hikes or urban circuits.
Conclusion
walking is an essential activity for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With its numerous health benefits and accessibility, it is an activity that can be incorporated into daily life with ease. Whether it’s taking a short walk around the block or participating in a group hike, every step counts towards a healthier and happier you. So, lace up those walking shoes and get moving!
