Walking is great for your physical and mental health – and even the most casual stroll can give you a boost. “Ten thousand steps a day.” It has become almost a religious mantra for anyone embarking on walking as an exercise routine.
But you don’t need to adhere to this to feel the benefits of getting outside and stretching your legs. This magic number has less scientific value than you’d think. It dates back to a Japanese marketing campaign from the 1960s designed to promote a commercial pedometer.
For some reason it has stuck, making us feel guilty for not hitting this made-up target ever since. Britain’s leading walking charity, Ramblers, says the benefits of walking little and often are not to be sniffed at. “ Walking in the great outdoors is one of the most effective things we can do to improve our health and wellbeing,” says George Salmon, a spokesperson for the charity.
“Even a short stroll around your local park can make a drastic difference.” A growing body of scientific evidence supports this. If you’re among the 60% of people who suffer from back pain it might well be time to put your best foot forward.
Walking for 30 minutes five times a week can help ward off back pain, according to a new study. The research found people with lower back pain who took regular strolls remained pain-free for twice as long as those who did not follow a regular walking programme. If that isn’t enough to persuade you to rise from your desk this moment and go for .
