#Walking

A groundbreaking new study has found that increasing daily walking activity may extend life expectancy by more than a decade—a revelation that could transform how Thais approach everyday health and longevity. Published recently in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, this research analyzed millions of steps by adults over age 40 and revealed that those with the most active lifestyles could live up to 11 years longer than their least active counterparts. The findings arrive at a moment when Thailand, like much of the world, faces rising rates of chronic diseases associated with sedentary living.

In a lighthearted yet scientifically grounded twist on healthy ageing, the global spotlight recently turned to “fart walks”—a playful term for post-meal strolls—after a medical doctor publicly endorsed their benefits for older adults. The latest buzz, sparked by social media and supported by emerging research, suggests that a simple after-dinner walk may hold surprising advantages for digestion, blood sugar control, and chronic disease prevention, raising questions about how everyday movement could help Thai society address the nation’s rapidly ageing population.

A quirky new fitness trend dubbed “fart walks” is making waves in the healthcare community, with experts citing this everyday activity as a surprisingly effective strategy for promoting longevity and well-being among older adults. The trend rose to prominence after a UK physician’s playful suggestion went viral, sparking both curiosity and renewed discussion about the role of low-intensity movement in preserving health throughout the ageing process.

So what exactly is a “fart walk”? The term, coined humorously by a British medical professional, simply refers to a short, easy walk—often after meals, but really at any convenient moment—with no set pace, duration, or destination required. The name alludes to the natural digestive process that can occur during gentle movement, but the benefits go far beyond gastrointestinal relief.

A new wave of research and expert analysis is challenging the widespread notion that taking 10,000 steps a day is the “gold standard” for health. For many Thais tracking their daily movement with fitness apps and smartwatches, this benchmark guides their routines, but emerging evidence recommends a more nuanced, personalised approach to daily activity — with broader implications for well-being and chronic disease prevention in Thailand.

The idea of 10,000 steps a day has permeated public consciousness worldwide, including in Thailand, particularly since the proliferation of affordable pedometers and health-tracking smart devices. But what does the science say? And is this number a magical threshold, or just a helpful starting point? According to experts interviewed in a recent CNET feature, the reality involves history, marketing, and evolving research on movement and mortality (CNET).

In the age of ever-evolving fitness trends and costly gym memberships, new research and expert insights point to a simple, accessible, and highly effective fat-burning strategy: walking, particularly done briskly and with intention. This daily habit, long undervalued amid high-intensity workout regimens, is now championed by health coaches and scientists alike for its remarkable ability to burn fat, boost metabolism, and improve health—no fancy equipment, gym contract, or punishing exercise routines required. For Thai readers seeking practical ways to improve health in everyday life, this evidence-based approach may be among the most impactful lifestyle adaptations available.

A new wave of research, highlighted by a UK-based National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner on national television, is upending conventional wisdom about the fight against stubborn belly fat. Contrary to the popular belief that only high-intensity workouts can help shift the bulge around the midsection, emerging evidence now supports the power of slow, steady exercise—like leisurely walks—in burning dangerous abdominal fat, particularly for older adults and postmenopausal women (Get Surrey).

With Thailand’s city streets and scenic parks coming alive during Bangkok’s hot season, a wave of new research and expert opinions confirms a message too often underestimated: walking is genuine exercise, packed with physical and mental health benefits. From the bustling sois of Siam Square to the leafy paths of Lumphini Park, Thais of all ages can take heart that their simple neighborhood strolls hold powerful benefits—comparable to more intense workouts—especially when done briskly and regularly. As highlighted by a recent April 2025 CNET article summarizing medical and fitness research, walking is not only exercise, but also an accessible key to a longer, healthier life for everyone, regardless of age, fitness, or background.

In the ceaseless debate about fitness and health, a core question remains: How much exercise should a person really do every day? Recent guidance from leading global health authorities and respected experts, alongside new research summarized by The Independent and reinforced by fresh scientific evidence, offers surprisingly flexible – and encouraging – answers for Thais at every age and fitness level. The bottom line is clear: less can be more, and every move counts (The Independent).

How much exercise is truly enough for good health? For busy Thais juggling work, family, and social life, knowing exactly how much movement is needed can make the difference between doing nothing and taking that first, critical step. Now, a new wave of expert-backed advice and landmark research clarifies just how simple – and how impactful – adding regular movement can be, whether you’re a gym enthusiast or a “ชาวออฟฟิศ” (office worker) struggling for time.

A compelling new study has gained global attention by revealing that walking briskly for just 11 minutes a day—or 75 minutes a week—could substantially extend your lifespan, reduce your risk of major diseases, and improve overall health—even if you can’t commit to lengthy workouts. This eye-opening research, published in the prestigious British Journal of Sports Medicine and highlighted in recent coverage by Yahoo News and Women’s Health, challenges the notion that only intensive or prolonged exercise carries real benefits, offering hope for busy Thais and anyone seeking accessible ways to stay healthy (Yahoo News, Women’s Health).

A daily walk in Lumpini Park or along your neighborhood soi is a treasured routine for many Thais. For years, walking has been hailed as the simplest path to good health—a prescription that’s free, low-impact, and within reach for almost everyone. However, new research and expert consensus reveal that while walking is indeed beneficial, it doesn’t provide the full spectrum of fitness needed to maintain health, especially as we age. Recent reporting in India Today, reinforced by medical studies worldwide, urges people not to rely solely on walking if they want to preserve muscle, bone strength, and balance throughout their lives (India Today).

As the hot season in Thailand ushers in brighter mornings, many Thais might wonder whether a simple stroll through Lumpini Park or their local soi really counts as exercise. According to the latest research and guidance from fitness experts, not only does walking qualify as real exercise, but this humble activity brings a surprising range of physical and mental health benefits—prompting experts here and abroad to call on more Thais to make regular walking part of daily life (CNET).

As the sun returns and Thais across the country take to parks and neighborhood sois for their daily walks, recent research and expert opinion reinforce a simple but powerful health message: walking—whether a slow saunter or a brisk “hot girl walk” trend—offers significant, wide-ranging health benefits. Contrary to some online debates, fitness trainers and scientific studies now agree: walking absolutely counts as exercise, with the latest data showing it can reduce your risk for heart abnormalities, diabetes, cancer, and even dementia, among other chronic diseases (CNET). For Thai readers living in urban environments or rural towns alike, this news spotlights an accessible path to better health that doesn’t require expensive gym memberships or elaborate equipment—just a sturdy pair of shoes and a willingness to take the first step.

A new study is putting the simple act of walking in the spotlight, revealing that just five minutes of walking for every 30 minutes of sitting can drastically reduce blood sugar spikes—by up to 58 percent. This accessible “exercise snack” approach not only highlights a low-barrier way for Thais to improve metabolic health, but may also help offset the growing public health concerns around diabetes and sedentary lifestyles common in modern Thai society. The findings, which have gone viral in international health media and have sparked notable discussions on social platforms, carry direct real-world implications for Thailand, where office culture and urban living habits often lead to prolonged sitting throughout the day.

Exercise has long been known as a natural mood booster, but a new study sheds light on just how impactful walking can be in the battle against depression. Published in JAMA Network Open, this research reveals that walking more than 5,000 steps per day is linked with a noticeable reduction in depression symptoms among adults. This analysis, which encompasses 33 separate studies involving over 96,000 participants, reinforces the important role that physical activity plays in mental health.