A controversial announcement by Public Health England said that a short brisk walk is more achievable than 10000 steps for those who are described as "couch potatoes". It has really divided opinion with some experts saying it is given us an excuse to be even lazier. Here at HMHB we feel they have missed the point completely, and will put our thoughts at the end of this entry.
Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Aseem. Malhotra says it is "detrimental to health" and is "essentially encouraging people to be lazy".
He continues: "a ten minute walk is not even 1000 steps. How is it acceptable that we are being told to walk less than a tenth of the minimum recommendation? Official guidelines say we should be doing at least 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous cardio a week. That's the kind that makes you slightly breathless. And we should be doing that on top of the 10000 steps per day. The longer you sit down, the higher your chances of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Walking is free, and we should all do much more of it." (at HMHB we agree, hence our Izzwalkz program).
HMHB's thoughts.
I think the advice has been misinterpreted.;. Nobody has said that we should do a ten minute walk instead of 10000 steps. That is the minimum number recommended, and it stays that way. But I think they are aiming at the people who just do not get outdoors much, the ones who stay on the sofa watching television. To say to them that they should be doing 10000 steps is scary, and can seem unreachable. Will they then make the effort? Maybe not. So start them with something they can do. Aim for a ten minute walk. That can then be built up over time.
It's all about doing something. "Something is always better than nothing".. Everyone has to start somewhere, but it has to be achievable and realistic. That is the point Public Health is making - they just did not word it very well.
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