More exercise in everyday life – the secret key to weight loss?
Does successful weight loss really always require a grueling workout at the gym, or are the touted 10,000 steps truly the key? Today, we'll reveal what scientific findings say about the 10,000-step theory and how many calories you can actually burn with everyday movements. We'll also give you simple tips on how to integrate more movement into your daily routine.
from Michelle
Myth or truth? How effective are the 10,000 steps really?
The famous 10,000-step rule didn't originate in medical research, but rather in a clever Japanese marketing campaign from the 1960s. Back then, it was used to advertise a pedometer – and has since become established in many people's minds as a "magic number." And yes, collecting steps is a simple and easily accessible way to be more active in everyday life. But does it always have to be this famous number? The answer is: not necessarily!
Studies show that even 6,000 to 8,000 steps a day have measurable health benefits . These include a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as improved mental health. In particular, walks in nature can help reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.¹
The number itself isn't the deciding factor; consistency is key. Instead of rigidly clinging to the 10,000-step target, try gradually increasing your daily activity . Even with fewer than 10,000 steps a day, you can improve your health and boost your calorie burn. Your personal step goal depends on how many steps you currently take daily. If you're already at around 8,000 to 9,000 steps, increasing to 10,000 is realistic. If you're currently only taking 4,000 steps a day, aim for 6,000 to 7,000 steps and increase slowly. Every step counts, and even small adjustments to your daily routine can make all the difference!
And how many calories do I burn through everyday movement?
An hour of intense training at the gym can burn a lot of calories – but what happens if you simply move more in your everyday life? Your daily movement adds up over the course of the day and can make a huge difference to your weight loss!
Let's take a woman weighing 70 kg as an example. Half an hour of moderate jogging burns approximately 300 calories. An hour of strength training burns roughly the same number of calories. But here's the interesting part: 10,000 steps – spread throughout the day – burn about 350 calories, more than active exercise. Even 7,000 steps add up to 250 extra calories, which can contribute to the necessary calorie deficit by the end of the day.²
Everyday exercise: The underestimated aid in weight loss
When it comes to weight loss, many people first think of intense workouts. But it's the small, regular movements in everyday life that help you lose weight healthily and maintain your desired weight permanently. Why?
Everyday movement ensures that you burn plenty of calories – without you really noticing. It stimulates your metabolism and supports fat burning.
The advantage of everyday movement is that it can be easily integrated into daily life. No time-consuming training is needed and no additional costs – you can simply move whenever you want.
Exercise helps keep your blood sugar levels stable – especially when done after meals – and prevents cravings. And if a craving does strike, a walk is also a wonderful distraction.
Why a 10-minute walk after eating works wonders
Exercise right after eating is a simple way to stabilize your blood sugar levels. Scientific studies show that even a short 10-minute walk improves glucose uptake into the muscles, thereby reducing blood sugar spikes. Sounds good, but you might be wondering why this is relevant to you? It can help reduce cravings for sweets and prevent the typical post-meal slump . At the same time, it relieves the strain on your pancreas, which in the long term lowers the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. More stable blood sugar levels also promote fat burning , supporting your weight loss goals. Exercise after eating also counteracts digestive discomfort such as bloating and promotes overall health.
And no stress: The walk doesn't have to happen immediately after eating. Studies show that the greatest effects occur in the first 30 minutes after a meal. But you can still benefit from the positive effects up to two hours after eating.³
Here's how you can integrate exercise into your daily routine!
You don't have to change everything at once to incorporate more movement into your daily routine. Here are some simple and effective tips on how to burn more calories by the end of the day:
Instead of taking the elevator, use the stairs. If you're driving, park a little further away and walk the rest of the way. If you're taking the bus, get off one stop earlier.
Consciously plan a walk into your day – ideally after a main meal. This way, as you just learned, you'll benefit from the many advantages of stable blood sugar levels.
Leave the car at home for shorter trips and take the bike instead. Whether it's for your commute to work, the supermarket, or a café – cycling is an easy way to get 10-20 minutes of exercise into your day without it feeling like a workout.
Get up regularly during the workday to stretch or simply walk around. If possible, you can even use a walking pad at work to accumulate even more steps.
Make a conscious effort to go for a walk. You'll be amazed at how quickly time flies and how many steps you've accumulated – without even realizing it. Even when you're on the phone with friends or family, you can get some exercise – whether indoors or outdoors.
Use your daily exercise as a little break from everyday stress – a relaxed walk or a bike ride is ideal to enjoy your favorite podcast or audiobook.
The best part: These movements are often so easy to integrate into everyday life that you don't even perceive them as training – but they still make a huge difference!
Everyday movement is an underestimated yet incredibly powerful tool on the path to greater well-being and successful weight loss. Instead of rigidly clinging to the 10,000-step goal, try gradually increasing your daily activity. It's about being active regularly and integrating small changes into your daily routine that will sustainably improve your health.
To achieve even more positive effects on your health and well-being, it's worth combining everyday movement with strength training. While everyday movement helps you optimize your calorie balance and create a healthy foundation, strength training builds muscle mass. This not only improves your fitness but also increases your basal metabolic rate, as muscles burn more calories than fat tissue. Together, they provide optimal support for weight loss and ensure you feel fitter and healthier overall.
