The only exercise goal you need

Let me ask you a few questions…

• Do you count your steps? Do you aim for the magic number of 10,000 daily?
• Do you strive to achieve 150 minutes of physical activity per week? Or do you break it down to 20 minutes each day?
• Are you are constantly confused by the different metrics attached to exercise goals—and how to feasibly achieve them?

If that final bullet point speaks to you, listen up…

Because a new study reiterates the underlying goal people often overlook.

The one thing that matters

A new study simply emphasizes that consistent physical activity translates to increased longevity and better health no matter how you move your body or which metric you aim for.

Researchers analyzed data from just under 14,400 participants in the Women’s Health Study. Subjects were 62 and older—and free of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Those who achieved around 62 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly—or who took about 5,200 steps daily—experienced reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases and mortality.

And the power of exercise didn’t stop there…

Researchers noted increased protection against mortality the more participants engaged in physical activity. (Specifically, those who achieved over 150 minutes weekly or more than 7,000 steps saw greater protection.)

This all boils down to what I always say: Anything is better than nothing at all.

And that all starts with understanding (and acknowledging) your current activity levels.

Create your own personal goal

Let’s back up for just a second.

Did you know that 10,000 daily step count number is NOT a scientific breakthrough? Rather, it was pulled from a marketing campaign in Japan in the 1960s.

In fact, contrary to popular belief, there are no well-founded recommendations for a universal step count we should all be aiming for.

And that’s actually music to my ears…

See, keeping track of your steps each day is so easy, virtually anyone can do it. (Many people use smart phones or watches to serve as their pedometer.)

But that’s not the only thing I like about it…

By keeping tabs on how much you’re walking, you’ll gain a better understanding of your activity levels. And that’s the whole point!

Because at the end of the day, those who move more live longer and healthier lives. Full stop.

And what could be simpler than keeping a record of what you do every day—even if it’s with paper and pencil?

By taking notes of when or how you move your body—or actually knowing your step count—you’ll better be able to set goals, surpass them, and create new ones.

All it takes is a little bit of effort for a host of rewards.

Source:

“Counting Steps or Watching the Clock for a Longer Life?” Medscape, 06/03/2024. (medscape.com/viewarticle/counting-steps-or-watching-clock-longer-life-2024a1000ac2)