A long walk or several short ones: Which is really better for your health?
Many people try to accumulate as many steps as possible in their daily lives. But a new study shows that it's not just the number that matters – but also the length of the walks.
Regular exercise leads to a longer life – that much is now considered certain. But whether many short walks or a few longer ones are healthier has been unclear until now. A large-scale study from Australia and Spain has now provided new insights.
As the Austrian daily newspaper “ Kurier ” reports, people benefit more if they walk for at least ten to fifteen minutes at a time every day, instead of dividing their movement into many small stages.
The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine , analyzed data from more than 33,000 adults between the ages of 40 and 79. It revealed that people who completed their daily steps in longer, continuous bursts had a significantly lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or premature death over a period of eight years. According to the newspaper "Kurier," the risk in this group dropped to around four percent – compared to 13 percent for people with short walking bursts.
The effects were particularly pronounced in people who had previously been sedentary: those who walked fewer than 5,000 steps a day were able to halve their risk of illness with regular, slightly longer walks. Just one or two sessions of ten to fifteen minutes each were enough to achieve measurable improvements.
“It seems to be better to accumulate steps over longer periods,” said study leader Borja del Pozo Cruz of the European University of Madrid, according to the newspaper “Kurier.” The body apparently needs a certain amount of time to experience positive effects on heart rate, blood circulation, and metabolism.
Cardiologist Robert Gerszten from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston also explained that continuous exercise gives the cardiovascular system more time to adapt.
The results show a correlation, not direct proof. However, the researchers see clear indications: Longer walks – even at a moderate pace – could be a simple and effective form of preventative healthcare for many people.
Not only the duration of a walk can reveal a lot about health and well-being – the way we move during it also says a lot about our inner state.
Clasping your hands behind your back while walking can make you appear calm and collected. According to psychologists, this posture can indicate focus and inner balance, as the arms are out of sight, allowing the brain to concentrate better on thoughts and feelings.
The platform " Le Ravi " reports that many people intuitively adopt this pose – for example, teachers, researchers, or people who think while walking. It signals composure and helps to clear the mind. At the same time, it can also be understood as a physical "pause signal" that creates distance and reduces stress.
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