Longer Walks Offer Greater Heart Benefits, Study Finds

Taking one longer walk a day may be more beneficial for heart health than several short strolls, according to new research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study suggests that walking continuously for at least 15 minutes—around 1,500 steps—gives the heart a stronger workout than walking the same distance in shorter bursts.

Researchers from the University of Sydney and Universidad Europea studied 33,560 UK adults aged 40–79 who typically walked fewer than 8,000 steps a day. Over eight years, participants who walked in longer stretches had a lower risk of heart disease and death, even among those who were otherwise inactive.

Experts say the pattern of walking—how long you walk at a time—matters as much as total steps. Setting aside time for a 10–15 minute continuous walk daily can significantly boost cardiovascular health.

The NHS continues to recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, such as brisk walking.

01-11-2025