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During corona, hiking became people’s No. 1 hobby. Not necessarily because we massively realized the benefits of hiking. It was mainly because there wasn’t a whole lot to do anymore and it was still nice to get some fresh air and occasionally do something remotely together with friends. Of course, the corona period hasn’t ended yet, so we’ll keep hiking for a while – and it’s smart to keep doing it after that, too.
Have you lost a little motivation to hike? Try to make the most of it anyway.
10,000 steps a day
In fact, if you don’t exercise enough, you have an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. By walking daily you actually reduce that risk. You may have heard that you should walk 10,000 steps a day. This is an advice from Dr. Yoshiro Hatano from 1964.
Work meeting with a colleague? Go for a walk instead of sitting down!
For most people, this is almost not feasible. According to Thea Kooiman, who received her doctorate from the University of Groningen, it is 8,000 steps a better guideline. You could take 5,000 steps during your normal activities. If you then go for another half hour of walking, you can add 3,000 steps.
Reduces the risk of all kinds of diseases
Getting your number of steps daily reduces your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But not only that. Walking is good for your lungs, it improves your digestion, it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, it reduces the risk of breast cancer and it increases the survival rate for prostate cancer.
A real miracle cure for your body so.
Why you’ll want to take a walk after dinner more often (especially when you’re heartily full)
Also, walking is very effective for low back pain. That low back pain not infrequently comes from sitting too much – at a desk. So to prevent you from suffering from this a lot, walking is the solution.
Furthermore, walking contributes to a good night’s sleep. And that is super healthy for you.
A walk around the block for your brain
Walking has a positive effect on the brain and your mental health. Walking makes you more productive and gives you energy. Walking is also the ideal way to relax and it makes you more creative. Are you suffering from a dip or are you at a dead end with your work? Then walking might be the solution.
Here’s how to keep it fun
After almost two years of corona, are you a little tired of walking? We get it, but hopefully the benefits of walking will keep you motivated. And hey, keep it fun for yourself. Make a hiking playlist with only music that makes you happy, put on an interesting podcast or turn it into an outing with your friends.
Hiking in peace? The 10 ‘secret’ hiking routes in the Netherlands
There are also apps that help you stay motivated. A pedometer, of course, keeps track of your steps and motivates you to go for a walk after all. The Ommetje app from the Brain Foundation not only keeps track of your activities, but also shares educational brain facts.
10,000 steps? Here’s why 8,000 is a better guideline