How short walks can help burn calories and boost health

Health & Fitness
26 Jul 2025 • 6:59 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Micro-walks, defined as brief brisk strolls lasting 10 to 30 seconds, offer an accessible method for individuals to incorporate movement into their day.
  • These short bursts of energy are shown to help burn more calories, boost metabolic rate, and improve endurance and strength.
  • Research, including a University of Milan study, found that micro-walks can lead to expending 60 percent more energy than longer walks covering the same distance.
  • The findings align with other studies demonstrating the health benefits of short, intense activity, such as high-intensity interval training or just 4.5 minutes of vigorous daily tasks.
  • Ultimately, any form of exercise is beneficial, with even 7,000 steps a day being effective, and that short bursts make physical activity more achievable.

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