Americans need to get out more ... and walk
Source: Agencies |
October 12, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
AMERICANS have got some walking to do if they want to catch up with the rest of the world.
They are far outpaced by Australians, Asians and Europeans who walk much more, according to a new study.
Adults in western Australia average 9,695 steps a day. The Swiss follow with 9,650, while the Japanese clock in with 7,168 steps. But Americans are far behind with just 5,117.
"We were surprised that the levels of physical activity were that low," said Dr David Bassett, of the University of Tennessee, lead author of the study. "Five thousand steps is really pretty inactive," he said.
Bassett said Americans need to step out for another 30 to 40 minutes per day to shrink the fitness gap.
The researchers used pedometers to gather data from 1,136 American adults, who varied in age, gender and geographic location, and compared the results to studies in the other countries.
Bassett thinks America's car culture and lack of adequate public transport provide fertile ground for couch potatoes. "People do have to exercise," he said. "But our overall environment does not lend itself to promoting an active lifestyle."
He attributes the more active lifestyle of adults in other countries to their greater access to mass transit.
"In Switzerland you might get enough activity just in the course of doing your errands," he said.
Bassett said research showed that just putting one foot in front of the other can help prevent weight gain.
"Even modest amounts of walking on a daily basis can help you to maintain a healthy body weight," he said.
They are far outpaced by Australians, Asians and Europeans who walk much more, according to a new study.
Adults in western Australia average 9,695 steps a day. The Swiss follow with 9,650, while the Japanese clock in with 7,168 steps. But Americans are far behind with just 5,117.
"We were surprised that the levels of physical activity were that low," said Dr David Bassett, of the University of Tennessee, lead author of the study. "Five thousand steps is really pretty inactive," he said.
Bassett said Americans need to step out for another 30 to 40 minutes per day to shrink the fitness gap.
The researchers used pedometers to gather data from 1,136 American adults, who varied in age, gender and geographic location, and compared the results to studies in the other countries.
Bassett thinks America's car culture and lack of adequate public transport provide fertile ground for couch potatoes. "People do have to exercise," he said. "But our overall environment does not lend itself to promoting an active lifestyle."
He attributes the more active lifestyle of adults in other countries to their greater access to mass transit.
"In Switzerland you might get enough activity just in the course of doing your errands," he said.
Bassett said research showed that just putting one foot in front of the other can help prevent weight gain.
"Even modest amounts of walking on a daily basis can help you to maintain a healthy body weight," he said.
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