Unlock Health Benefits with Every Step
Increasing your step count is a gateway to unlocking numerous health benefits, and at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we’re here to guide you on this journey. Walking improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, enhances mental clarity, and aids in weight management. Learn these easy tips to help you walk more.
How Many Steps Do You Need?
Forget the 10,000-step norm; recent findings suggest even 4,000 steps a day can reduce mortality risk, according to the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. A 15% decrease in overall death risk for every additional 1,000 steps taken daily emphasizes the significance of small increases. Every step contributes to a holistic approach to well-being.
Simple Strategies for More Steps
Now that you know hitting those daily steps isn’t as difficult as it used to be, let’s break it down into some easy and manageable goals.
- Integrate short walks into your day, like a 15-minute stroll during lunch or a short walk after dinner.
- Take the stairs, park a bit farther, and break down daily activity goals into manageable segments for consistency.
- Make a walking playlist. Add your favorite tunes and enjoy blissful sounds as you walk around your neighborhood.
- Transform walking into a convenient and enjoyable exercise for improved well-being.
Explore Arkansas Through Hiking
Getting outside has many benefits, and a hike is a great way to elevate your step count. Arkansas is called the Natural State for a reason. Plan a hike and soak up its beauty.
- Arkansas offers 52 state parks with diverse hiking trails for people of all skill types.
- From challenging Ozark Mountain inclines to serene forest paths, hiking contributes to cardiovascular fitness and mental well-being.
- Nature decreases stress and boosts happiness, making hiking a double benefit for your health.
Walk Together for Wellness
Walking with friends or family can be a great way to increase quality time with those you love the most.
- Join or start a walking group with friends, family, or loved ones for shared goals and enjoyable social time.
- Walking in a group fosters camaraderie, motivation, and meaningful conversations.
- The group dynamic introduces accountability for a consistent and fulfilling routine.
Join the Blue & You Fitness Challenge
Joining a challenge can help set goals and motivate people to stick to them.
- Start a group with colleagues through the free three-month Blue & You Fitness Challenge.
- Exercise, make healthy choices, and log activities to earn points from March 1 through May 31.
- Register by January 25 for the Blue & You Fitness Challenge.
Now that you know how to increase your step count, grab your favorite pedometer device, like a smartphone, to keep track of your walking goals. Enjoy your walks!