In our busy lives, many of us try to fit in walking whenever we can. However, a new study suggests that how you walk might be more important than how much you walk in short bits.
The research has found that a single, continuous walk of 10 to 15 minutes is much more effective at lowering the risk of heart disease and early death.
In contrast, short, separate walks that last less than 5 minutes (like walking from a room to the kitchen) do not provide the same significant health benefits. This discovery is especially important for people who live a less active lifestyle.
The study followed 33,500 adults in the UK for nearly 10 years. The results showed a major and concerning difference:
- People who usually walked for less than 5 minutes at a time had a 4.4% risk of death.
- However, for those who walked continuously for 10 to 15 minutes or more, that risk dropped dramatically to just 0.8%.
A similar pattern was seen for the combined risk of heart disease and stroke. The short-walk group had a 13% risk, while the long-walk group’s risk was only 4.4%.
Experts say this study highlights a key message: it’s not just about the total number of steps you take. The duration of your continuous walk plays a crucial role in protecting your heart health.
