Here's how long you should walk every day to prevent back pain.
Walking can be a simple yet effective way to reduce your risk of developing lower back pain, and research suggests that spending more time on your feet may just do the trick. According to a recent study published in the Norwegian Trøndelag Health Study, adults who walked for 78 to 100 minutes per day had a 13 percent lower risk of experiencing back pain, while those who walked for 101 to 124 minutes per day had a 23 percent lower risk. And if you managed to squeeze in some extra time – say, an hour or more of walking each day – your chances of avoiding lower back pain increased to 24 percent.
But here's the thing: it's not just about how long you walk that matters, but also how briskly you move while doing so. Research has shown that walking at a leisurely pace is no match for the benefits of regular physical activity, with faster-paced walks showing a greater reduction in back pain risk.
The good news is that incorporating more walking into your daily routine doesn't have to be daunting or expensive. You can start by taking short walks during your lunch break, or try incorporating more movement into your commute – whether that's on foot, by bike, or even just on the bus or train.
Ultimately, the key takeaway here is that small, everyday changes can add up over time, and a commitment to regular physical activity may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent lower back pain in the first place.
Walking can be a simple yet effective way to reduce your risk of developing lower back pain, and research suggests that spending more time on your feet may just do the trick. According to a recent study published in the Norwegian Trøndelag Health Study, adults who walked for 78 to 100 minutes per day had a 13 percent lower risk of experiencing back pain, while those who walked for 101 to 124 minutes per day had a 23 percent lower risk. And if you managed to squeeze in some extra time – say, an hour or more of walking each day – your chances of avoiding lower back pain increased to 24 percent.
But here's the thing: it's not just about how long you walk that matters, but also how briskly you move while doing so. Research has shown that walking at a leisurely pace is no match for the benefits of regular physical activity, with faster-paced walks showing a greater reduction in back pain risk.
The good news is that incorporating more walking into your daily routine doesn't have to be daunting or expensive. You can start by taking short walks during your lunch break, or try incorporating more movement into your commute – whether that's on foot, by bike, or even just on the bus or train.
Ultimately, the key takeaway here is that small, everyday changes can add up over time, and a commitment to regular physical activity may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent lower back pain in the first place.