The launch of smartwatches and health trackers sparked a widespread obsession with achieving 10,000 steps a day, a figure that came to symbolise good health and physical fitness. However, KIMS Hospital, a private hospital located in Kent, is encouraging a more balanced and sustainable view of health—one that redirects the focus from individual step counts to a broader concept of overall wellbeing. While walking remains an important element of a healthy lifestyle, KIMS Hospital points out that genuine health involves more than simply meeting a daily step total.
Finding Fitness Goals That Work for you
Health and fitness are not a one-size-fits-all affair, and to some, 10,000 steps can be too large a number to even start with. KIMS Hospital emphasises that everyone is on their journey, and that fitness is more effectively achieved through small changes that result in a transformation over time.
While more activity is something to be applauded, KIMS Hospital takes a holistic view, highlighting the fact that while movement is crucial, it’s only one part of the puzzle.
Understanding the Ingredients of Wellbeing
KIMS Hospital advocates a multi-faceted approach to health, concentrating on creating a lifestyle that encompasses several key health factors, instead of just focusing on one:
- Hydration: Drinking enough water is essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining energy levels, digestion, and skin health. A general guideline is to consume 35 ml of water per kilogram of body weight.
- Rest: Good quality sleep is vital for physical and mental restoration, hormone balance, and overall well-being. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep.
- Nutrition: A healthy diet provides the essential nutrients required for optimal health, encompassing everything from immune function and mood to overall well-being. Remember to avoid overly sugary and/or processed foods.
- Movement: Regular exercise, such as walking, is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health, building strength, and promoting mental well-being. Establishing a daily habit of a simple 15-minute walk can make a significant difference.
Walking: Building a Daily Routine
When it comes to movement, walking is an excellent way to enhance your health. It’s a low-impact activity that most individuals can perform, offering numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, denser bones, and improved mental health. However, 10,000 steps can feel like an overwhelming number and may not be ideal for everyone.
Health benefits can be achieved with fewer steps, and even building up to 5,000 steps a day can put you on the path to a healthier, more active lifestyle. The key is consistency and finding a level of activity that can be sustained and built on over time. Long-term consistency is more important than short-term intensity.
Here are some tips from KIMS Hospital for incorporating more movement into your life:
- Start slowly: Begin with shorter walks if you are currently inactive, and increase the duration gradually over time. Even a 15-minute walk will suffice initially.
- Find activities that you enjoy: Do what you like to do, be it brisk walking, hiking, or simply walking in a park.
- Incorporate movement into your day: Take the stairs, walk during lunch, or park a bit further from your destination–it all adds up.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to pain or discomfort and adjust your activity level accordingly.
- Be consistent: Strive for regular activity most days of the week, even if only for brief periods.
KIMS Hospital offers convenient access to healthcare through its private GP services, providing thorough consultations and referrals for further treatment when needed.
Beyond the Steps: A Holistic Approach
Overall wellness is more than just the number of steps one takes. It is a combination of healthy habits that all work together to enhance overall health. KIMS Hospital encourages people to adopt a holistic approach to their health by prioritising sufficient sleep, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and incorporating regular physical activity into their lifestyle.
It’s not just about creating a single metric-focused approach but about building a sustainable lifestyle that promotes overall well-being.
