The doctor debunked the myth about the benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day

The norm of 10,000 steps per day, which many Russians consider a healthy habit, is actually a marketing ploy. Andrey Kondrakhin, a general practitioner, told about this on Monday, June 15.

According to the expert, a 40-minute walk with an intensive step is considered correct. The doctor explained that the effect for the body is achieved due to the chosen pace. He said that the proper distribution of anaerobic load can improve the body and maintain its tone, and the "race" for 10 thousand steps can harm people with musculoskeletal disorders and overweight.

"The most correct load is considered to be 40 minutes of intensive walking every day. The speed should be about the same as running, as if someone is chasing you. This method, unlike the idea of 10,000 steps, has shown its effectiveness because it reduces physical inactivity," said Kondrakhin in an interview with The Paragraph.

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In turn, orthopedic traumatologist Antonina Zavadskaya said on June 12 that with a sedentary lifestyle, even 3 thousand steps a day can have a noticeable positive effect, RT reports.

On June 11, Ekaterina Hammad, internist, gastroenterologist, gerontologist, head of the therapeutic department No. 2 of the National Research Medical Center "Treatment and Rehabilitation Center" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, told what types of activities help maintain heart and joint health. The specialist noted that it is useful to start physical activity at any age, including after 60 years.

Irina Maltseva, coach of the Lapino Fitness Country Club, said on May 4 that it's not harmful to train every day, but you can't load the same muscle group two days in a row. Therefore, it is necessary to alternate daily activity, NSN reports.