Walking is considered the easiest way to exercise, but its full potential as a cancer prevention tool has only just been brought into sharp focus. While the majority of us are aware of the 10,000‑step daily target, new research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that significantly fewer steps might be needed in order to bring about a significant decrease in cancer risk. In addition, you don't have to be a speed walker or put up log marathon‑sized miles—regular, moderate everyday movement seems to be the ticket.

The popular 10,000-step goal actually has more marketing than scientific history behind it. Originally touted in 1960s Japan as a sales tool for pedometers, there is no scientific rationale behind that round figure in cancer prevention. The most recent evidence from the UK now provides a more scientifically informed benchmark, supported by objective measures of activity.

Researchers examined data on over 85,000 UK Biobank study participants who had worn wrist‑mounted accelerometers for seven days, measuring both step count and movement intensity. During a median follow‑up of 5.8 years, researchers monitored new diagnoses of 13 cancer types—breast and colorectal cancers to lung and endometrial cancers—and adjusted for major risk factors, including alcohol consumption, smoking, and diet

There was a clear, inverse association between steps per day and incidence of cancer:

• 7,000 steps per day was related to an 11% reduced risk of developing one of the 13 cancers under surveillance versus 5,000 steps
• 9,000 steps per day was related to a 16% reduced risk, with minimal added benefit thereafter.

Notably, such reductions in risk persisted even after controlling for demographic, lifestyle, and health factors—emphasizing that it is movement per se, and not confounding variables, that is producing the protective effect.

Intensity vs. Volume: What Matters Most While Walking

Even for brisk walking, there did prove to be a weak correlation with reduced risk of cancer, but once it was included for overall daily activity, the benefit decreased. The time taken to take steps either at one's own relaxed pace or at a faster walk is what really matters for cancer‑prevention. This has made the advice easily accessible: anyone can simply walk at one's own comfortable pace and yet gain cancer‑preventive benefits.

Current U.S. health guidelines call for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity aerobic physical activity weekly, complemented by strength training two times per week. However, CDC statistics reveal that more than two‑thirds of U.S. adults fail to meet these thresholds. With an estimated 2,041,910 new cancer diagnoses and 618,120 deaths from cancer projected in the United States for the year 2025, incremental, sustainable changes may have disproportionate impact on national cancer burden.

Supporting a 7,000–9,000 step per day target—approximately 3 to 4 miles of walking—may provide a more realistic starting point for most, particularly those who are intimidated by 150 minutes per week.

Why Walking Prevents Cancer?

The biological mechanisms of this cancer protection are complex:

Hormonal Control: Routine physical activity stabilizes sex hormones, which contribute to breast and endometrial cancer risk.

Increased Insulin Sensitivity: Exercise reduces circulating insulin and insulin‑like growth factors, both of which are implicated in tumor development.

Less Inflammation: Systemic chronic inflammation generates an environment that is permissive for malignancy; walking has anti‑inflammatory properties.

Increased Immune Surveillance: Physical activity can enhance the body's capacity to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells before they are able to proliferate.

Each of these mechanisms underscores the manner in which short periods of cumulative low‑intensity activity can create an unfavorable climate for cancer development and progression.

Infusing Walking (Steps) into Your Daily Routine

Taking on a 7,000–9,000 step habit doesn't have to disrupt your routine. Inexpensive tactics are:

Active Commuting: Drive further from the office or exit public transport one stop sooner.

Micro‑Breaks: Interspersed walking breaks during the workday replace sitting time.

Social Strolls: Meet up with friends or family with a casual stroll.

Household Chores: Activities such as gardening, vacuuming, or tidying add steps and light activity.".

Although this research offers strong evidence for overall step‑count recommendations, additional research is required to investigate cancer‑specific influences. Do some cancers react differently to physical activity compared to others? May individual risk factors—e.g., genetic susceptibility—alter the effect? Longitudinal trials and mechanistic research will enable more nuanced recommendations, perhaps even personalized prescriptions for step count and activity intensity.

The road to cancer prevention literally lies at your feet. Ditching the antiquated 10,000-step myth, taking 7,000 to 9,000 steps per day proves to be a realistic, evidence-based approach to reducing your risk of several cancers. With obesity levels rising and a sedentary population dominating the landscape, this "move more, sit less" strategy is a straightforward but compelling public health message—one every step really does count.

In an era of prolonged screen time and desk jobs, sitting has been dubbed “the new smoking” — and for good reason. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles are contributing to a surge in lifestyle-related diseases, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular issues. But a new study published in Diabetes Care offers a surprisingly simple way to counter this: take a 2-minute walk after every 20 to 30 minutes of sitting.

What the study found

The study found that people who interrupted their sitting time with short bouts of walking saw significant health benefits. Participants who took just 2 minutes to walk for every 20 to 30 minutes of sitting experienced:

• A 24–30% reduction in blood glucose levels
• A 23–26% drop in insulin levels

And this wasn’t dependent on weight, age, or fitness level. Even light-intensity walking was enough to create measurable improvements.

Why sitting for long periods is harmful

When you sit for hours at a time, your muscles become inactive, and your body’s ability to manage glucose is impaired. This leads to spikes in blood sugar and higher insulin resistance. Over time, this increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders.

Short, frequent movement reactivates muscle contractions, promotes glucose uptake, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation. It's a small effort with major returns.

Relevant for everyone — not just office workers

This rule isn’t just for desk-bound professionals. Whether you're a student, a homemaker, or someone who spends long hours in front of a screen, integrating short walks every half hour can make a meaningful difference to your long-term health.

No gym gear, no sweat — just 2 minutes of gentle motion like pacing around your room, stretching, or walking to refill your water bottle. It’s free, easy, and can be done anywhere.

The 20-8-2 rule: another approach to break up sitting

Alongside the 2-per-20 guideline, ergonomics experts also recommend the 20-8-2 rule to reduce the negative impact of sedentary work. Created by Alan Hedge, a Professor of Ergonomics at Cornell University, this rule suggests:

• 20 minutes of sitting
• 8 minutes of standing
• 2 minutes of light movement

This cycle encourages better posture, increased circulation, and more energy expenditure throughout the day. Research shows it improves cognitive performance and reduces fatigue — all without hurting productivity.

If you've recently hit the milestone of finishing a 5K—whether via a program, a nearby parkrun, or on your own walking or running routine you may be left wondering what to do next. For most, the natural (and thrilling) step is to target a 10K but how do you do this safely and in a way that is sustainable? As a health editor at a leading international platform, I’m breaking down exactly what it takes—physically, mentally, and logistically to go from 5K to 10K in a way that protects your health and supports long-term fitness.

The step up from 5K to 10K isn't a fitness improvement—congratulations, it's a shift in attitude. Achievement of 5K is an impressive feat, particularly if you're new to habitual exercise. But continuing that momentum with the target of 10K offers a formalized means of remaining motivated and dedicated. It's the optimal balance of challenge and achievability.

What's special about going from 5K to 10K is that you aren't beginning from scratch. You've established the foundation: cardiovascular, fundamental running or walking technique, and a habit of including regular exercise in your routine. The process of getting to 10K is no longer about whether you can do it, but how to do it correctly.

Are You Ready to Double Your Distance?

Before you tie up for longer runs or walks, have a quick scan of your current lifestyle, recovery potential, and frame of mind. Utilize the 1–5 scale as a self-testing tool:

Work-Life Balance: Is your lifestyle balanced enough to provide time for more activity?

Physical Readiness: Are you free from pain, or do you have persistent niggles after activity?

5K Journey Experience: Did you find the journey to 5K enjoyable, or was it hard work?

Time Availability: Can you reasonably schedule 15–30 extra minutes on most days to exercise?

If you're rating 3 or higher on most of these, you're well set to think about progressing towards 10K. Otherwise, think about sticking with your 5K distance for another few weeks while overcoming any obstacles before progressing further.

There isn't a blanket timeline for everyone to transition from 5K to 10K. Some individuals may be okay trying to make the switch within four weeks, but others will be helped by an 8–10 week build. Patience is the most important thing. Hasting the process will result in burnout or injury.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on speed or rate, turn your thinking to "time on feet." Gradually add 5–10 minutes to your walks or runs each week, giving your body time to adjust to the added burden.

Why Easy Pace Matters Most?

One of the biggest errors individuals commit when increasing distance is racing too hard too soon. The 10K distance is not about high-speed performance so much as it is about endurance at a steady pace. For that reason, easy miles—those run at or below conversational pace—are the foundation of any 10K training.

Walking or running steadily at a leisurely pace teaches your cardiovascular system to work longer, enhances fat burning, and acclimatizes your muscles without overdoing it.

Add Variety Without Overcomplication

While you're striving for 10K, adding little bursts of variety can enhance your progress without overloading your routine. That's where Fartlek-style training is useful. A Swedish word that means "speed play," Fartlek is about switching between faster and slower intervals on your walk or jog.

Here's how: Walk rapidly for one block, followed by the next at a slower pace. This is what strengthens your cardiovascular ability and what makes your sessions more interesting.

But keep in mind, these efforts need to still feel accessible. Most of your training should still remain focused on consistent, easy movement.

Consistency Wins

Whether your aim is health, weight loss, stress relief, or increased stamina, nothing beats consistency. Recording three to five sessions per week, even if brief, beats infrequent long walk/runs and rest days off due to exhaustion.

Creating a rhythm that works with your energy and lifestyle is more relevant than achieving a certain amount of kilometers per week.

How to Avoid Burnout?

The higher your distance, the more demands are placed on your body. That's why adding low-impact cross-training activities such as swimming, cycling, or yoga can be a lifesaver. These complement your cardiovascular development without loading up on the same muscle groups, minimizing overuse injuries.

On days when you’re not walking or running, opt for 30–45 minutes of cross-training to maintain momentum and prevent fatigue.

Nutrition plays a subtle but critical role in supporting your goal. Aiming for a 10K means your body will need more fuel—especially from complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and plenty of hydration. Don’t overlook rest either: sleep and active recovery days help your muscles rebuild and prepare for longer efforts.

If you experience strange soreness, chronic fatigue, or a decrease in drive, take it as a sign to take it easy—not try harder.

The transition from 5K to 10K is more than a physical accomplishment—it's a change of attitude, lifestyle, and self-assurance. If you approach it correctly i.e., with a mix of ambition and practicality, you can make this next step a new norm. Break the journey into manageable chunks, adapt to circumstances, and keep in mind: progress, not perfection, is how you reach the finish line.

Whether you do your 10K in one sit, do it in sessions throughout the day, or interspersed with breaks for a walk, you're making a great investment in your overall long-term health.

Yoga is a great way to connect your mind and body. It helps us process our body’s well-being through gentle and flow-based movements, allowing us to have a relaxing and stress-free time. When you are doing yoga, you are told to be conscious of your breathing and focus on your surroundings. That helps one feel collected and focus better.

It is very easy to get caught up in stressful situations, causing anxiety and distress to people. This has a negative effect on your body and can manifest in ways like acne, headaches, fatigue as well as insomnia. When one is feeling these things, the best way to cope with these issues is by doing yoga.

Can Yoga Really Help with Insomnia?

A 2020 review published in the BMC Psychiatry, found that yoga generally helped women with insomnia sleep better. The researchers noted that it seemed particularly helpful for women experiencing menopause.

While not every study in the review showed a positive effect from yoga, they all agreed that yoga didn't have any bad side effects. This suggests that trying yoga for sleep is a safe first step before considering other treatments. Another review in 2019 also found that mind-body practices like yoga significantly improved sleep problems in previous research.

Yoga Asanas That Can Help With Insomnia

Legs Up The Wall (Viparita Karani)

Start by sitting sideways near a wall with your legs straight. As you breathe out, lower your upper body to the floor and lift your legs up against the wall. Keep your arms relaxed by your sides, palms up. You can use a pillow under your lower back for comfort. To stretch your inner thighs more, let your legs gently fall open while they are still resting on the wall.

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Kneel on the floor with the tops of your feet flat. Bring your knees and feet together so your big toes touch. Sit back gently on your heels. Lean forward and fold your upper body over your legs until your forehead touches the floor or gets close. You can rest your arms by your sides or stretch them forward. Breathe calmly and stay in this comfortable position.

Reclined Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Lie comfortably on your back with your legs and arms straight. Bend your knees and bring your feet towards your body, letting the soles of your feet touch. Gently bring your clasped hands to rest on your stomach. Stay in this relaxed position and focus on your natural, easy breathing.

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

This is a great pose to end your yoga practice and can also be used for quiet meditation. Lie flat on your back with your legs and arms straight and relaxed. Let your hands be open with palms facing up, and allow your ankles to gently fall open. Take a deep breath and consciously relax all the muscles in your body. Keep your attention on your breath. To finish, gently move your fingers and toes, then slowly roll to one side and sit up.