Japanese Walking: 30 Minutes Beats 10,000 Steps for Weight Loss

The quick scan: Markets hit the pause button yesterday after their three-day victory lap, with investors taking a breather to digest inflation data and geopolitical developments. The rally train pulled into the station for some much-needed maintenance.

• S&P 500: Slipped 0.27% to close at 6,022.24, stepping back from recent highs but still holding well above the 6,000 milestone
• Dow Jones: Managed to stay roughly flat, showing its typical resilience when growth stocks wobble
• NASDAQ: Dropped 0.50% to 19,615.88, tech stocks bearing the brunt of the selling pressure

What's driving it: A combination of profit-taking after the recent run-up, mixed signals from inflation data, and ongoing Middle East tensions creating some uncertainty. Investors seemed to be in "wait and see" mode rather than panic mode.

Bottom line: One day of modest declines after three straight gains is perfectly normal market behaviour—like taking a coffee break during a marathon rather than collapsing at the finish line.

Get Your Groove On: Fitness & Staying Spry

Japanese Walking: The 30-Minute Fitness Hack That Beats 10,000 Steps

The scoop: Forget counting steps like an obsessive accountant—there's a new walking trend from Japan that's making fitness nerds everywhere reconsider their step counters. Japanese walking involves alternating between three minutes of brisk walking and three minutes of easy strolling, repeated for just 30 minutes, four times a week.

Developed by professors at Shinshu University, this interval-style approach is like HIIT training's gentler cousin who still gets results but doesn't leave you gasping for air. The "somewhat hard" pace should let you talk but make full conversations challenging, while the "light" pace should feel comfortable but slightly more laboured than chatting over coffee.

Studies show this method beats traditional moderate walking hands down—participants lost more weight, dropped blood pressure further, and gained more leg strength and fitness. It's also less time-consuming than chasing that mythical 10,000 daily steps, making it perfect for people who want results without turning their phone into a step-counting tyrant.

Actionable takeaways:

• Start with the talk test: During "somewhat hard" intervals, you should be able to speak but struggle with full conversations—if you can belt out show tunes, go faster.

• Use any timer: All you need is a stopwatch and space to walk—no fancy equipment, gym membership, or step-counting apps required.

• Aim for consistency over perfection: Four 30-minute sessions per week beats sporadic longer walks—make it a habit rather than a heroic effort.

• Listen to your body: About 22% of people didn't complete the program in studies, so adjust intensity if needed rather than giving up entirely.

• Don't abandon steps completely: If you love your step counter, keep it—the key is regular moderate-to-vigorous activity, regardless of the specific method you choose.