Walking 10,000 Steps a Day - FAQ about the Health Benefits

The concept of walking 10,000 steps a day can raise several health-benefits questions. This article answers several frequently asked questions about those benefits.
Here are answers to Frequently Asked Questions -- an FAQ -- about the health benefits of walking 10K steps/day.

Q. "Does walking 10K steps/day have any effect on circulation?"

Yes, it can improve circulation.

Q. "What do '10K/day steppers' say about the mental effects?"

Many report that they have increased clarity and can concentrate better.

Q. "Will walking 10K steps/day hurt my sleep?"

Unless you try to cover those 10K steps within a couple of hours of bedtime, you should find that your sleep quality improves.

Q. "Isn't walking 10K steps/day stressful?"

As long as you build up to this level over time, you should find that it actually decreases your daily stress.

Q. "Can walking 10K steps/day really help me decrease my body-fat percentage?"

Yes. You do not have to run those steps to get this benefit.

Q. "What does walking 10K steps/day have to do with blood pressure?"

It depends. Some people with hypertension exercise all their lives with no effect on their high blood pressure. Others have hypertension that is influenced by exercise.

Q. "Will my risk of heart attack go higher by starting to walk 10K steps/day?"

You should consult your physician before undertaking any exercise program. But there is a good possibility that your risk will not increase by SLOWLY increasing your number of steps per day. And there are also studies that suggest that walking 10K steps/day can decrease your risk of heart attack.

Q. "Can walking 10K steps/day decrease my risk of dementia, which seems to run in my family?"

It could. But, as with the previous answer, you should consult with your physician. The decreased risk of dementia seen in some 10K-steps/day studies seems to be a side effect of many other health benefits of such a program.

Q. "Will I live longer by walking 10K steps/day?"

Not necessarily, but you may enjoy your life more.

About the Author

Kirk Mahoney, Ph.D., loves to walk and run, and his website provides practical research for runners and walkers. By going to http://www.SpryFeet.com/Reports/, you can get FREE his special report about eleven programs to help you reach and sustain walking a very beneficial 10,000 steps per day.
   By Kirk Mahoney, Ph.D.
Published: 10/22/2009
 
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