New Study Shows Brisk Walking 15 Min Daily Lowers Death Risk
When it comes to staying healthy and living a long life, many of us know that exercise is essential. But sometimes, it can be tough to find the time or energy to fit in a long, intense workout. Luckily, a new study suggests that even just 15 minutes of brisk walking a day can make a significant difference in our mortality risk.
The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from nearly 80,000 US adults over a period of 11 years. The researchers found that walking at a brisk pace for just 15 minutes a day can cut the risk of death by nearly 20%.
But what’s even more interesting is that the pace of your walk seems to matter more than the duration. According to the study, walking at a faster pace is especially protective for heart health, and even short bursts of brisk walking may offer powerful benefits for longevity.
So, what does this mean for us? Should we all be lacing up our sneakers and hitting the pavement? Let’s dive into the details of the study and explore what it means for our health and wellbeing.
The Study: What Did They Find?
The study, which was led by researchers from the University of Tennessee, looked at data from over 78,000 adults who were part of the National Walkers’ Health Study. The participants were all between the ages of 50 and 80, and none of them had any history of heart disease or stroke.
The researchers used accelerometers to track the participants’ physical activity, including the pace and duration of their walks. They also monitored the participants’ health outcomes, including their risk of death from all causes.
After analyzing the data, the researchers found that the participants who walked at a brisk pace (about 3-4 miles per hour) for at least 15 minutes a day had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who didn’t.
In particular, the study found that:
- Walking at a brisk pace for 15 minutes a day or more was associated with a 19% lower risk of death from all causes.
- Walking at a moderate pace (about 2-3 miles per hour) for 15 minutes a day or more was associated with a 9% lower risk of death.
- Walking at a slow pace (less than 2 miles per hour) for 15 minutes a day or more was not associated with a significant reduction in death risk.
Why Does Pace Matter?
So, why does the pace of your walk seem to matter more than the duration? There are a few possible explanations.
One possibility is that faster walking is more effective at improving cardiovascular health. When you walk at a brisk pace, your heart rate increases, which can help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. This can be especially beneficial for people who are at risk of heart disease or stroke.
Another possibility is that faster walking may be more mentally engaging, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. When you’re walking at a slower pace, you may be more likely to be distracted by your surroundings or lost in thought, which can reduce the cognitive benefits of walking.
What Does This Mean for Us?
So, what does this study mean for us? Should we all be rushing to get our daily dose of brisk walking?
The answer is yes! While this study was conducted on a specific population of adults, the findings are likely to be applicable to a wide range of people.
Here are a few takeaways from the study:
- If you’re new to walking, start with short bursts of 15 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you become more comfortable.
- Try to incorporate more brisk walking into your daily routine, whether that’s during your lunch break, after dinner, or first thing in the morning.
- Don’t be afraid to take breaks or slow down if you need to – the most important thing is to find a pace that feels comfortable and enjoyable for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study suggests that even just 15 minutes of brisk walking a day can make a significant difference in our mortality risk. Whether you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health, reduce your stress levels, or simply feel more energized and engaged, walking is an excellent way to get started.
So, lace up your sneakers and get moving! Your health will thank you.
Source
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/walking-fast-can-help-you-live-longer
