One of the easiest exercises to do is walking. It is also a wonderful way to keep in shape without having to buy pricey gym subscriptions or fancy equipment. However, how long should you walk for the best results? The ideal amount of time to walk depends on your individual goals, whether they are related to weight loss, mental clarity, or general well-being.Listed down below are the effects of short versus long walks on your health according to science.
Short walks: the quick boost for mental clarity and energy
If you’re short on time but still want to benefit from walking, even a quick stroll of ten to fifteen minutes can have a big impact. Even a quick ten-minute stroll will increase energy, improve blood circulation, and help you decompress after extended hours of sitting.
If you want to regulate your blood sugar levels after eating, short walks are also a great option. Walking for ten to fifteen minutes after a meal can help with digestion and reduce the risk of unexpected blood sugar rises, according to research. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone searching for a simple, efficient way to stay active all day long or for those who are managing type 2 diabetes.
I am walking down a path through trees, sunlight dappling the ground around me.
Goal: Improved mental clarity, quick energy boost, and better digestion.
30-minute walks: The gold standard for overall health
A 30-minute walk is often touted as the “sweet spot” for maintaining overall health. According to the American Heart Association, walking for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can lower the risk of heart disease, improve mood, and help maintain a healthy weight.
For people who find long workout sessions daunting, a 30-minute walk can be an easy and manageable way to meet daily exercise recommendations. It’s ideal for people who want to strengthen their hearts without putting too much strain on them.
Goal: Cardiovascular health, weight maintenance, and overall well-being.
45-60 minute walks: The perfect length for weight loss
Ten Longer walks can yield better results when it comes to weight loss. Walking is an effective fat-burning and weight-management technique because it forces your body to utilize fat stores for energy for 45 to 60 minutes. You burn more calories when you walk for longer periods of time, which can eventually result in more noticeable weight loss.
Longer walks not only bring physical benefits but also mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. You may get away from everyday distractions, cleanse your mind, and get the health advantages of being outside by going for a 45–60 minute stroll.
Goal: Weight loss, fat burning, and stress reduction.
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Beyond 60 minutes
If you enjoy a challenge or have more spare time, walking for over an hour can have tremendous health benefits. Walking for ninety minutes or longer improves endurance, strengthens the heart, and burns a significant number of calories.
This duration of walking has a major effect on mental health. Long walks—especially those taken outside—have been shown to elevate mood, enhance mental clarity, and reduce depressive and anxious symptoms.
Goal: Improved endurance, enhanced mental health, and significant calorie burning.