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One way to get more out of your 10,000 steps a day

Aiming for 10,000 steps a day is a popular fitness goal
Aiming for 10,000 steps a day is a popular fitness goal (Alamy/PA)
  • Aiming for 10,000 steps a day is a popular fitness goal, but incorporating short bursts of faster walking can significantly enhance its health benefits.
  • A study found that both the quantity and intensity of exercise contribute to improving the five cardiovascular risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
  • Even as little as one minute of high-intensity activity, could be beneficial.
  • Increasing walking speed, even for short periods, can lower blood pressure for up to 24 hours and blood glucose levels for up to 48 hours.
  • Combining regular walking with brief periods of more intense activity can also lead to weight loss, particularly a reduction in harmful visceral fat.
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