Why your walking pace is more important than your step count
Many people try to reach the well-known threshold of 10,000 steps daily to stay fit. However, new research shows that the number of steps is not the only factor that counts for your health. The speed at which you walk also plays a major role in improving your fitness.
Scientists emphasize that a brisk walking pace offers additional benefits for the heart and blood vessels. When you walk at a faster pace, your body has to work harder, which leads to a better heart rate and more efficient calorie burning. This means that a shorter walk at a higher pace can sometimes be more effective than a long walk at a slow pace.
For many Dutch people who walk to work daily or go for a stroll on the weekend, this is good news. You do not necessarily have to be on the move for hours to work on your health. By simply walking a little faster, you turn your daily walk into an effective workout.
Experts advise trying to maintain a pace while walking where you can still talk, but can no longer sing easily. This is also known as 'brisk walking.' In this way, you get the most out of your movement without having to go straight to the gym.
In short, it is time to shift the focus from counting steps to the intensity of your walk. By increasing your pace a little, you give your daily exercise a healthy upgrade.