Many people believe that walking is an easy and efficient way to keep in shape, but did you know that walking speed might have an impact on your health?
Key Observations included:
Decreased risk of diabetes: Participants who walked faster had a 30% decreased risk of acquiring diabetes than those who walked more slowly.
Reduced risk of hypertension: People who walked fast had a 6% lower chance of developing high blood pressure.
Better cholesterol: The risk of having dyslipidaemia was slightly lower for those who walked briskly.
These results highlight the beneficial effects of walking speed on general health, especially for those who are already at risk because of their obesity.
How walking speed affects health
Walking more swiftly has several direct health benefits in addition to being a speedy way to get somewhere:
- Walking more rapidly raises aerobic capacity, which enhances lung and heart function.
- By controlling blood sugar levels, this reduces the risk of diabetes.
- Walking briskly decreases blood pressure and enhances cardiovascular health.
- Increased walking speed lowers inflammatory markers, potentially lowering the risk of metabolic diseases.
Tips to increase your walking speed
If these findings motivate you, try these simple strategies to quicken your pace:
- Stand tall, keep your posture relaxed, and swing your arms to get propulsion.
- Try to walk at a brisk pace of around 100 steps per minute, or fast enough to be able to converse while still feeling a bit breathless.
- Alternate between walking quickly and at your normal pace to build endurance.
- Use a fitness tracker to monitor your speed and strive for gradual improvement.
Walking speed vs daily steps
Even while this study highlights the advantages of walking more quickly, taking more steps each day is just as crucial for lowering health risks. According to other research, merely increasing your step count—regardless of speed—can improve your overall fitness and lower blood pressure. The finest benefits are obtained by combining a rapid pace with more steps.
