Walking 8,000 steps a day is good for heart health and reduces the risk of death

Walking properly brings benefits to health as well as the cardiovascular system. (Source: CBC)

In a new study published in the journal JAMA , experts said that people who walked at least 8,000 steps a day, once or twice a week, had good cardiovascular health and a 15% lower risk of death than those who walked only a few steps within the next 10 years.

Meanwhile, people who walked 8,000 steps a day, 3-7 days a week, had a 16.5% lower risk of death.

"This study suggests that for adults who struggle to maintain a regular exercise regimen, achieving the recommended number of steps per day, just a few days a week, can provide health benefits," the researchers said.

Dr Kosuke Inoue of Kyoto University, Japan, who led the study, added: "Not having enough time is one of the major barriers to exercise in modern society.

Our findings provide useful information to encourage you to walk, even just a few days a week, to reduce your risk of death."

However, there's no need to beat yourself up if you can't hit your daily step goal, as walking for a longer period on another day can also benefit your health and reduce your risk of death.

This is also good news for people who only have time to exercise on weekends.

However, a limitation of the study is that it did not take into account other activities that can benefit heart health, such as cycling or swimming.

Experts also emphasize that moving more (even in small amounts) or doing anything to escape a sedentary lifestyle is good for your health.

“Physical activity is good for your bones, brain, immune system, stress levels, and sleep,” Holly S. Andersen, PhD, tells Prevention.

"Physical activity is the fountain of youth. Sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health. Don't sit in front of a computer all day, get up and move around at least once an hour."