Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise for people of all ages, from 10 to 100 years old. And now, a new study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that even walking at a very slow pace of just 1.9 mph can be extremely beneficial for your health.
The study recruited volunteers to emulate a typical workday by sitting for eight hours and measuring their blood sugar levels and blood pressure. The participants then took walking breaks of varying lengths and frequency. The researchers found that taking a five-minute walk every half-hour reduced blood sugar spikes after a meal by almost 60%.
This is great news for those who may not be able to or prefer not to engage in more intense forms of exercise. Walking at a slow pace is easy, accessible, and can be done by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. And the benefits are not just limited to reducing blood sugar spikes. Walking, even at a slow pace, has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and improve mental health and cognitive function.
But what about those who spend most of their day sitting at a desk? The study suggests that working from a treadmill desk at only 1.9 mph every day during the workday can be extremely beneficial for your health. This may seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference in the long run.
It’s also important to note that there is no such thing as walking too slowly. Even if you’re not breaking a sweat or feeling out of breath, the movement of your muscles and the increase in blood flow is still providing health benefits. So, whether you’re going for a leisurely stroll or just taking a short walk around your office, every step counts.
In conclusion, walking is one of the most effective and accessible forms of exercise for people of all ages. And now, we know that even walking at a very slow pace of just 1.9 mph can be extremely beneficial for our health. So, next time you’re feeling sedentary or have a break, take a walk, even if it’s just a slow one, it can make a big difference in the long run.