Healthy Habits Challenge: Habit #3

Nov 8, 2024

 by Corey Kissel

Healthy Habits Challenge - Habit #3: Walking 8,000 Steps Each Day

You’re probably heard these phrases before:

If you don’t use it, you lose it.

Motion is Lotion.

And you’re also probably saying to yourself, “Yeah I know, I know.”

Well, KNOWING and DOING are two completely different things! 

If head knowledge is all we need to become healthy and fit, we wouldn’t be setting New Year’s Resolutions (that we don’t actually stick with anyways) every time January rolls around! 

But do you understand just how important it is to walk 8,000 steps every single day? 

“Compared with people who took 4,000 steps a day, those who took 8,000 steps a day at the start of the study had a 50% lower risk of dying from any cause during follow-up.”

(Reference: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/number-steps-day-more-important-step-intensity#:~:text=Compared%20with%20people%20who%20took,could%20potentially%20influence%20the%20results.)

That is some powerful effects just from walking!  Movement really is Medicine!

There are plenty of other studies out there that you can find showcasing increased health benefits from walking more, but here are 10 benefits you can receive from increasing your step count:

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health: Walking strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

2. Boosts Mental Health: Walking reduces stress, anxiety, and depression by increasing the production of mood-boosting endorphins.

3. Aids in Weight Management: Walking helps burn calories, support weight loss, and maintain a healthy weight when combined with a balanced diet.

4. Improves Blood Sugar Control: Regular walking enhances insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels, benefiting those with or at risk for diabetes.

5. Increases Muscle Strength and Endurance: Walking stimulates the musculature of the lower body, improves endurance, and supports overall muscle and bone health.

6. Enhances Joint Health: Walking boosts circulation to the joints, reducing stiffness and pain, and may alleviate symptoms of arthritis.

7. Supports Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function: Walking improves brain function, memory, and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

8. Boosts Immune System: Regular walking enhances immune function, helping the body fight off infections more effectively.

9. Improves Sleep Quality: Walking promotes better sleep by reducing stress and anxiety, leading to faster sleep onset and deeper rest.

10. Increases Longevity: Consistent walking reduces the risk of chronic diseases and can contribute to a longer, healthier life.

By simply moving your body over the course of the day you can clearly see and experience regular walking is essential to Live Long and Live Strong!

This is why Healthy Habit #3: Walking 8,000 Steps Each Day is included in our challenge to help you keep your body in motion for life!