Fast walking for 15 minutes per day ‘cuts risk of early death by 20%’, study finds

A study found that walking at a fast pace for 15 minutes a day could reduce your risk of dying early by as much as 20%.

While the health benefits of long periods of slow walking are well known – classed as ‘moving around, walking at work, walking the dog or engaging in light exercise’ – fast walking for as little as a quarter of an hour per day can have immense upsides.

According to researchers from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee in the US, fast walking can include ‘climbing stairs, brisk walking or exercising’.

Researchers in the study followed 79,000 low-income people across 12 states of the Southeast for an average period of 16.7. They looked at deaths of all kinds.

Researchers found that even as little as 15-minutes of fast walking per day can reduce total mortality by 20%. A smaller mortality reduction was seen with three or more hours of slow walking daily.

Participants were asked how much time they spend walking each day, and at what pace.

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The study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine concluded that “the protective effect of fast-walking extended to all causes of mortality but was most pronounced with cardiovascular diseases.”

It found that periods of fast walking ‘boost heart efficiency’ and ‘helps control body weight and composition’, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

The researchers added that walking faster has benefits for people of all ages, regardless of fitness level or age.

Lili Liu, the epidemiologist who conducted the study, stated: “Previous studies done in middle- and upper-middle income populations support the findings that fast walking pace is associated with reduced mortality.”

Individuals should incorporate more intense physical activities into their daily routines. For example, brisk walking and other aerobic exercises.

Next time you’re strolling down a street, take a moment to consider the following: Playa Or down CalleThink about accelerating your pace.

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