Small Steps, Big Results: Even Ten Seconds of Walking Could Also Lead to a Healthy Body

amsterdam - A recent study has shown that training for a marathon is a good way to get fit, but incorporating very short 'microwalks' throughout the day can also contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Splitting your walk into ten to thirty-second segments, with breaks in between, can increase energy expenditure by up to 60 percent compared to walking the same distance in one go, researchers found, as reported by The Times.

Just getting up and walking to the kitchen to make a cup of tea can make a significant difference, according to Dr. Luciano. He emphasizes that even a short physical effort can be beneficial. Interrupting sedentary behavior with brief walks can significantly increase daily energy expenditure and improve health, he and his colleagues write in Proceedings B, a journal published by the Royal Society.

According to this study, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. More and more research also supports the theory that explosive efforts, such as playing with your children, are beneficial. The study focused on the amount of oxygen people consume while walking on a treadmill or climbing stairs. "Oxygen consumption tells us how much energy we are using," explains Luciano.

During the study, ten volunteers walked or climbed for various time periods, some for ten to thirty seconds and others for up to four minutes, with several minutes of rest between each effort.

Dr. Luciano concluded: "We found that walking in shorter segments requires more energy, and therefore more oxygen. It's like a car that consumes more fuel during the first few kilometers." Although it's not practical to break up your distance into short pieces, Luciano's message is clear: "It's healthy to break up sitting periods and take a few steps."