Forget 10,000 steps: AIIMS-Harvard doctor recommends viral Japanese interval walking for better health
Posted on: Sep 09, 2025 14:06 IST | Posted by: Livemint
Walking 10,000 steps a daylight is often considered the au monetary standard for physical fitness. From letting down the risk of dementia and heart disease to improving mood, it has been linked to multiple health benefits. But according to a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, there’s another walking method that could deliver even greater results, and in less time.
In an Instagram post shared on September 7, Dr Saurabh Sethi highlighted a Japanese walking technique called interval walking, which he says is more beneficial than the traditional step goal.
This method involves alternating 3 minutes of slow walking with 3 minutes of brisk walking — as if you’re hurrying to an important meeting. Dr Sethi recommends doing this for about 30 minutes daily, starting with a 3–5 minute warm-up and ending with a cool-down.
According to Dr Sethi, interval walking can:
Calling it “time-efficient and very effective,” he urged people to try the method for better overall fitness.
Dr Sethi also pointed to a 2007 study published in PubMed, which found that high-intensity interval walking helped improve thigh muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and blood pressure more effectively than moderate continuous walking. Researchers concluded that it may even protect against age-related declines in fitness and muscle strength.
So, while 10,000 steps remain a popular benchmark, experts suggest interval walking could be the smarter, and healthier, alternative.
Earlier, Dr Sethi shared a list of eight common toxins we often ignore in our homes, especially in our kitchens. Culprits, including Scratched Nonstick Cookware, Artificial Sweeteners, Ultra-Processed Packaged Foods, Scented Candles and Air Fresheners, Deli Meats with Preservatives, Antibacterial Soaps with Triclosan and Fragrance-Heavy Laundry Detergents and Dryer Sheets, can quietly disrupt gut health, hormones, metabolism, and even increase your risk of disease over time.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.