<p><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/g19556347/best-running-shoes-for-men/” target=”_blank”><strong>Best Running Shoes for Men</strong></a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19537250/best-crossfit-shoes/” target=”_blank”>Best CrossFit Shoes</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g25797535/best-workout-clothes-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Workout Clothes for Men</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g19809484/best-cross-training-shoes-for-men-reviews/” target=”_blank”>Best Cross Training Shoes</a></strong></p><p>”Very generally speaking, weightlifting shoes are made with more restrictive material such as leather but are known for their thick, solid base of the shoe,” says <em>Men’s Health</em> Advisory Board member <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/author/221416/david-otey/” target=”_blank”>David Otey</a>, C.S.C.S., an NYC-based strength coach.</p><p>The right weightlifting shoes will heel elevation to help the lifter access more efficient range of motion for loading in the various Olympic lifts. </p><p>Ultimately, their goal is to help you create more force while maintaining safe alignment. </p><p>And science backs it up. One <a href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22201687″ target=”_blank”>2012 study</a> found that when lifters performed a one rep max barbell back squat, they were more likely to maintain proper form and reduce lower back strain while wearing weightlifting shoes versus <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/g26328412/best-basketball-shoes/” target=”_blank”>basketball sneakers</a>. Another <a href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27096286″ target=”_blank”>more recent study</a> similarly found that compared to more general athletic shoes, weightlifting shoes reduced ankle movement and helped lifters maintain an upright torso during squats.</p><p>”Weightlifting shoes are important for generating more force on heavy moves such as deadlifts, lunges, and squats. The goal is to have the shoe help you generate more force through a harder sole surface with manual cushioning,” says <a href=”https://ridgedavis.com/”><u>Ridge Davis</u></a>, CPT, owner of <a href=”https://ridgedavis.com/ridgid-fitness/”><u>Ridgid Fitness</u></a> in Los Angeles. “They also provide ankle stability so the knees and hips don’t compensate. General exercise <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a19545684/best-sneakers-men/” target=”_blank”>sneakers</a> and running shoes tend to have too much cushion and absorb a fair amount of force needed for weightlifting.” </p><p>But most people lifting weights in the gym aren’t doing Olympic lifts, are they? If you’re looking for a stable, durable shoe to stand up to dynamic <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a25424850/best-hiit-exercises-workout/” target=”_blank”>HIIT workouts</a>, outdoor training or even CrossFit classes, what you really need is a strength trainer. </p><p>Which is why we’ve included our top picks for strength trainers in this article, too.</p><p>Strength training shoes—often branded ‘<a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g19809484/best-cross-training-shoes-for-men-reviews/” target=”_blank”>cross-trainers</a>’—are designed to be versatile in their performance, unlike weightlifting shoes. They don’t feature significant heel elevation, meaning they’ll be more reactive for explosive movements, but can still provide enough stability for heavy lifts. This is the type of trainer you’ll benefit from if you aren’t as specific in your training routine, and want to be able to transition from plyometrics to lifts in the same session without sacrificing support or bounce.</p><p>So, if you’re interested in upping your weightlifting or strength training shoe game, you came to the right place. Here are 12 of the best weightlifting shoes and strength trainers of 2023, according to trainers.</p>” />
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Best for Olympic Weightlifting
Best for Olympic Weightlifting
The Romaleos 4 are the most updated version of what has been an extremely popular shoe in the Olympic weightlifting community for the past decade. This model introduces a dramatic redesign compared to former models, making them feel more airy and stable.
“These are a sturdy weightlifting shoe with strong translation to vertical force,” says Otey.
This shoe has a heavy inner sole to help you ground down and stay planted while simultaneously feeling ultra lightweight, almost like you’re wearing a strength trainer.
The dual strap system gives a solid hug on the foot for maximum stability, too. This shoe has a little more aggressive arch support than some other weightlifting shoes on this list, so it works well for those who need a little extra lift under the midsole.
Some buyers report the tongue is a bit too long for comfort in some angles of deeper ankle flexion like the bottom of a squat. As with most Nike models, some buyers also suggest sizing up a half size.
What do buyers say? “Great shoe. Stability is great. Made my Romaleos 3’s feel like flip flops. A welcomed upgrade,” said one Nike reviewer.
Read more: Best Nike Shoes for Men
| Heel elevation | 20 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 3 |
| Sizes | US Men’s 3.5-15; Half sizes available |
Best Splurge Weightlifting Shoe
Best Splurge Weightlifting Shoe
Love the look of old school lifting shoes but want the innovations in comfort of newer renditions? Meet the Lifters from NOBULL. With a stacked leather heel for ultimate comfort and shock absorption, this newly reimagined model strikes a balance of athletic and old school.
If you’re already familiar with NOBULL, you know they make shoes durable enough to withstand even your most violent gym sessions. Each pair is handmade from carefully selected high-grade, exceptionally strong leather. In fact, the brand reports that each heel and outsole require 2-3 hours of precise handwork to manufacture. And costing a whole three Benjamins, these have the price tag to prove it.
Craftsmanship and good looks aren’t all you’re paying for with these shoes, though. A stacked leather heel elevation of 18.5 mm makes them a really suitable weightlifting shoe for just about any weightlifter, as that’s a true mid-range sweet spot height compared to others on the market.
We really like that they have a molded, removable sock liner, too. As with many NOBULL footwear style, the Lifters are a little lighter on arch support compared to other shoes on this list, such as the Romaleos 4.
If you like NOBULL and have a wallet big enough, you’ll like these.
What do buyers say? “Actually I bought this shoes for its look, however after trying them they are simply amazing, strange mix between comfort and stability,” said one NOBULL reviewer.
| Heel elevation | 18.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 2 |
| Sizes | US Men’s 8-16; Half sizes available |
Best Budget-Friendly Weightlifting Shoe
Best Budget-Friendly Weightlifting Shoe
Reebok’s Powerlift 5 is a viable option for those not looking to break the bank on a solid shoe to squat and do other Olympic lifts in. With a heel elevation of just 16 mm, they’re especially great for beginners, those new to lifting in an elevated heel, or those who just prefer a lower heel elevation.
Compared to earlier Powerlift models, the 5 has a reworked upper with a perforated tongue and mesh inserts that facilitate maximal breathability. A lace and strap system combine for a more contoured hug of the mid foot, meaning added stability.
Despite the wide base, the toe box is pretty narrow, so most buyers recommend going up a half size if you’re not a fan of a snug fit or have wide feet.
The sturdy bottom of the shoe, outfitted with a heavy-duty rubber outsole, high-density EVA foam, and a mid-foot wedge, helps translate the force through the ground into your main lifts. At just $120, these perform as well as a highly sturdy and durable shoe to perform Olympic lifts in.
One complaint: the tongue is not gusseted, so it tends to shift and roll during use, which can require frequent adjustments depending on your movement.
What do buyers say? “[These] sneakers have improved my kind because of the sort of sole it has versus my earlier flat converse-like exercise sneakers,” stated one Amazon reviewer.
| Heel elevation | 16 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 4 |
| Sizes | US Males’s 5-14; Half sizes obtainable |
Greatest Weightlifting Shoe for Large Toes
Greatest Weightlifting Shoe for Large Toes
The L-1 Lifter garnered loads of consideration when it first hit the marketplace for its vast foot-friendly design. And it’s barely wider all through than many different weightlifting sneakers on the market, nevertheless it’s very true for the toe field. Which implies it is an awesome selection for these with wider toes or who typically really feel they do not have sufficient room to splay their toes in different weightlifting sneakers.
To accommodate extra width within the toe field, the entrance of the shoe could be very sq.. Which might truly contribute to a wider base, and in flip, extra stability. Particularly within the catch section of a elevate. The inside sole of this shoe hugs up and across the mid foot and up behind the heel for added arch help. And the outer sole is comprised of tremendous sticky rubber for maximal traction. A twin velcro strap system helps you lock down for added stability, too.
Along with a roomier toe field which permits for a greater grip on the ground, it is received a significantly larger heel elevation than most fashions (21 mm). Making it an acceptable choice for many who engaged on squat mechanics or who simply desire an even bigger heel to toe drop.
The L-1 Lifter would not be nice for somebody with a extra slim foot, as you could possibly lose some stability by having an excessive amount of width contained in the shoe. Additionally, some consumers report the velcro strap is lengthy, so it might probably get near the bottom when pulled tight on a slim foot.
What do consumers say? “Very snug shoe, I am lastly in a position to free my toe,” stated one TYR reviewer.
| Heel elevation | 21 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 2 |
| Sizes | US Males’s 4.5-14; Half sizes obtainable |
Greatest Weightlifting Shoe for Maximal Heel Elevation
Greatest Weightlifting Shoe for Maximal Heel Elevation
Now 19% Off
The Reebok Legacy Lifter II has the next heel than another weightlifting sneakers on this record, which suggests it performs particularly nicely for squats or for guys with restricted decrease physique mobility.
Total, the construct of this shoe is actually strong, with a dense and strong really feel that’s nice in weight with out being too clunky. The development and vast base work collectively for a particularly secure really feel. The mix of laces and a well-positioned single strap permits the shoe to actually hug your foot whereas offering enough mid foot help.
Plus, the redesigned toe field is narrower than the legacy lifter I (which many felt was not comfortable sufficient), however nonetheless has sufficient room to toe splay and grip the bottom successfully. It feels elite, too.
The match and look actually resembles that of the Nike Romaleos 2 (an oldie crowd favourite), with a cushty and heavy cloth higher. However the velcro strap could also be limiting in dimension and safety for some (these with excessive arches, particularly), because it does not wrap that far across the shoe.
What do consumers say? 93% of Amazon consumers suggest the Reebok Legacy Lifter II with a minimum of a 4-star ranking.
| Heel elevation | 22 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 12 |
| Sizes | US Males’s 6.5-14; Half sizes obtainable |
Greatest Weightlifting Shoe for Learners
Greatest Weightlifting Shoe for Learners
The Nike Savaleos are an ultra-lightweight shoe nice for inexperienced persons or leisure weightlifters. They’ve a heel elevation of simply 15 mm, so they seem to be a good mannequin in case you’re new to weightlifting generally or simply new to elevated heels.
Stability is strong, due to an outsole made with extraordinarily sticky rubber and a singular form that is barely winged on the mid foot. The Savaleos are a bit slim by way of the mid foot and forefoot (as are many Nike athletic sneakers), so if in case you have wider toes you could possibly go a half dimension up.
They’re marketed as a extra versatile weightlifting shoe, which we do not usually suggest. However due to their versatile development and decrease heel to toe drop, they seem to be a affordable mannequin to mess around with for extra versatile or leisure coaching, making them barely totally different than the opposite sneakers we have included on the weightlifting sneakers portion of this record.
However the strap on the Savaleos shares an analogous downside because the Reebok Legacy Lifter II: The velcro is positioned solely on the tip of the strap, leaving extra potential for the strap to loosen up on you.
Total, they seem to be a strong shoe for inexperienced persons at an entry-level value level.
What do consumers say? “Love the steadiness given by these. Did not anticipate the influence these had on my Olympic lifting. Go up half a dimension,” stated one Nike reviewer.
| Heel elevation | 15 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 2 |
| Sizes | US Males’s 3.5-18; Half sizes obtainable |
Most Traditional Powerlifting Shoe
Most Traditional Powerlifting Shoe
A few of our consultants disagreed on numerous factors—however nobody selected something apart from the Converse Chuck Taylors to satisfy your powerlifting wants.
“From a powerlifting standpoint, they’re just about normal,” stated Caulfield.
Chucks have the required onerous, flat rubber sole that you just require in your strongest lifts, in addition to some ankle help if you get the high-tops.
“The onerous rubber soles make it my favourite shoe on heavy days for squats and deadlifts. They’re basically the traditional powerlifting shoe and it’s most likely going to remain that means,” added Davis.
For wide-stance squats (the place you don’t need a heel however must be near the ground), deadlifts, and bench press, Chuck Taylors have remained the king for many years.
“I received Chuck Taylors as my first lifting shoe after I was like 18, and I cherished them,” says Jordan Syatt, proprietor of Syatt Health and five-time powerlifting record-holder.
What do consumers say? Out of greater than 9,800 opinions on Amazon, 90% of Amazon consumers suggest the Chuck Taylor All Star Excessive Tops with a minimum of a 4-star ranking.
| Heel elevation | 0 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 43 |
| Sizes | US Males’s 3.5-16; Half sizes obtainable |
Greatest Barefoot Coach
Greatest Barefoot Coach
Now 20% Off
The Primus Lite III is a particularly versatile, zero-drop, minimalist shoe meant to provide the expertise of being barefoot, whereas defending from the danger of harm concerned with going shoe-free. It is designed to be foot formed—not shoe formed—with a brilliant vast toe field that permits your toes to maneuver how they’d with out the constraints of a conventional shoe. The profit being you possibly can grip the bottom extra successfully and train your foot’s dexterity whereas figuring out.
The idea behind barefoot sneakers is that they will help your ankles and toes get stronger, thus bettering general decrease physique power and stability. Strengthening the muscle groups in your toes may assist to guard from accidents up the chain.
It is urban-environment permitted, with a 4mm sole to guard your foot from no matter could also be in your path and further lamination across the toe for an added buffer from the surroundings. We love that the higher is constructed of eco mesh, comprised of recycled plastic bottles.
As a result of the Primus Lite does not hinder your foot’s pure motion, it is nice for these with plantar fasciitis or flat toes. However it is going to take some adjusting. We suggest to provide it an adjustment interval by alternating together with your typical trainers for a number of weeks earlier than utilizing barefoot sneakers completely. And to stretch your calves and achilles after every put on, too.
In case you have by no means heard of Vivobarefoot, it would not be shocking. The model is so assured within the high quality and design of its area of interest ‘barefoot’ footwear, that the label barely does any advertising in any respect. Individuals who put on these say they maintain as much as extra abuse than sneakers twice their weight, and might keep in nice situation it doesn’t matter what you set them by way of.
| Heel elevation | 0 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 7 |
| Sizes | US Males’s 7-15; Restricted half sizes obtainable |
Greatest Coaching Shoe with Midsole Hover
Greatest Coaching Shoe with Midsole Hover
The most recent iteration of UA’s Mission Rock coaching shoe is a strong decide for exercise periods the place you are mixing lifting with plyometrics. It has an 8 mm heel elevation, which is larger than most comparable coaching sneakers. So whereas it will not articulate in addition to sneakers with a thinner sole, you may get an fringe of added stability.
These sneakers are made to maintain up with heavy lifting, accent workout routines, and explosive coaching in the identical session. UA’s TriBase outsole design helps to maximise contact with the bottom and supply traction if you want it. And you will additionally get good reactivity from the hover mid sole. The molded TPU heel-to-mid foot strap will assist your toes really feel locked-down, too (and it’ll forestall breakdown the again of the shoe). Consequently, they will really feel good throughout totally different coaching verticals.
Bonus: they’re snug as hell. The higher is constructed with light-weight, breathable mesh that stretches to your foot’s distinctive anatomy. A sock-like match offers added ankle help.
What do consumers say? “I’ve had a minimum of 2/3 pairs of every of the PR’s over time. These are the most effective but,” stated one UA reviewer.
| Heel elevation | 8 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 3 |
| Sizes | US Males’s 7-15; Half sizes obtainable |
Greatest Coaching Shoe for CrossFit
Greatest Coaching Shoe for CrossFit
These are such a dynamic shoe for all sides of what your exercise could entail, however particularly power coaching. The Metcon 8s are extraordinarily light-weight and breathable, making them snug for even your sweatiest periods.
We love that it has actually a grippy outsole for nice traction, in addition to strong mid foot help, making it useful for heavy lifts in all planes of movement, accent actions, and so forth. It is also surprisingly versatile, so it is nice for brief bursts of cardio work.
“It is flat, and it’s extremely sticky on the underside, which is ideal,” Syatt says. “And it is also very athletic.”
We particularly like that Metcon fashions include a pair of detachable Nike Hyperlift inserts, which let you enhance the heel elevation to 8mm.
The most effective all-around CrossFit sneakers ought to have tons of dynamism to them—for lifting, operating, field jumps, or no matter your WOD could include. The Metcon 8 brings all of that to the desk.
| Heel elevation | 0-8mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 9 normal; Customized obtainable |
| Sizes | US Males’s 3.5-22; Half sizes obtainable |
Most Versatile Coaching Shoe
Most Versatile Coaching Shoe
The Reebok Nano X3 is a good light-weight materials shoe with a softer cushion for maximal shock absorption if you want it. From out of doors coaching to coaching within the platform, these sneakers are extremely versatile.
The midsole match actually helps lock your foot down so you do not really feel like your foot is swimming within the toe field if you’re working by way of dynamic actions. The lift-and-run chassis system is a refined change from earlier fashions, however contributes enormously to the reactive-yet-stable boot development. The Flexweave® woven cloth higher actually hugs the foot for an athletic really feel.
“This shoe is nice for extra agile and dynamic weightlifting due to the combo of sentimental cushioning and secure ankle help,” stated Davis.
There’s loads of cushioning below the heel for a cushty strike when operating, due to a proprietary foam padding. One draw back: the laces can run a bit lengthy in case your foot is slim and it’s a must to tighten your shoe a ton. It additionally tends to run a bit bit stiff, so do not anticipate a ton of articulation proper out of the field.
What do consumers say? “Very mild on the toes. Good for operating and really secure for lifting. Love!” stated one Reebok reviewer.
| Heel elevation | 7 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 7 |
| Sizes | US Males’s 7.5-13; Half sizes obtainable |
Greatest Underneath-the-Radar Coaching Shoe
Greatest Underneath-the-Radar Coaching Shoe
Should you’re on the lookout for a critical shoe to deadlift in or put on for lengthy runs, this may not be your only option, however the Puma Fuse 2.0 is appropriate for nearly all the pieces in between.
A lateral outsole and medial wrap (just like the Metcon 8) provides loads of stability to the midfoot. The mesh and artificial overlay all through the higher and toe field makes it nice for withstanding put on and tear of rope climbs. Artificial overlay across the toe field, particularly, signifies it is going to stand as much as loads of put on and tear.
That is one other coach we love for its vast toe field, which lets you grip the ground throughout leisure lifting. There is a TPU clip and a inflexible cup on the heel to essentially hug your heel and enable you floor down, too.
The shoe itself is tremendous versatile, it is the dense and strong insole of the Fuse fashions that provides the shoe the responsiveness and luxury of an awesome coach. Should you’re on the lookout for one thing extra versatile, shopping for the Fuse 2.0 and swapping the detachable insole for one thing extra malleable may very well be resolution.
The Fuse 2.0 retails at a lower cost level than different comparable fashions, however preserve a stage of integrity in terms of development and sturdiness that goes far above the budget-friendly price ticket.
| Heel elevation | 4 mm |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 3 |
| Sizes | US Males’s 7-14; Half sizes obtainable |
There are some things to bear in mind in terms of selecting the correct weightlifting shoe for you. “You’re going to want a shoe that has a tough sole, an elevated heel, and a few lateral help,” says Sean Waxman, C.S.C.S., head coach and proprietor of Waxman’s Fitness center.
In the end, the correct weightlifting shoe for you’ll rely in your particular person wants, preferences, and lifting targets, however preserve these elements in thoughts:
The best shoe will enable you generate as a lot drive by way of the ground as attainable as a way to decide up heavy weights.
“The onerous, flat sole in weightlifting sneakers permits extra drive to be utilized into the bottom,” says Scott Caulfield, C.S.C.S., the pinnacle power and conditioning coach on the Nationwide Power and Conditioning Affiliation. “You would not need to use an actual huge air cushion sneaker to elevate in, as a result of that cushioning goes to simply dissipate drive and be like a giant sponge on the foot and on the ground.”
Energy apart, there is a laundry record of advantages weightlifters can reap from the correct pair of sneakers. And stability and help are close to the highest of that record. A strong, non-compressible sole offers a secure base and helps to stop your toes from rolling or shifting throughout lifts, permitting you to take care of correct kind and approach. Many weightlifting sneakers are additionally designed to supply help your ankles, too, which helps scale back the danger of ankle sprains or different foot and ankle accidents.
“In a exercise the place you is likely to be doing extra than simply lifting, you’ll need one thing multifunctional,” says Caulfield. “In case your exercise goes to contain leaping on bins, or shuffling, or doing any kind of agility, you need to have a shoe that may tackle that.”
In the end, power coaching sneakers have the flat sole, however with added flexibility within the toe and midfoot that permits for extra motion and reactivity. Some even include additional traction alongside the heel and lateral sides for rope climbs and different CrossFit actions.
You do not must be powerlifting or ripping Olympic lifts within the gymnasium to warrant pair of weightlifting sneakers. In truth, they are often significantly useful for these simply beginning out with weightlifting and nonetheless engaged on their kind and approach.
The secure and supportive base that the correct pair of weightlifting sneakers can present helps inexperienced persons and consultants preserve correct kind and approach throughout lifts. An elevated heel can be particularly useful for these new to lifting who could have restricted ankle mobility, permitting them to realize a extra upright posture throughout lifts.
It is vital for inexperienced persons to concentrate on constructing a robust basis of power and approach earlier than counting on specialised gear to enhance their lifts. Weightlifting sneakers can present some advantages for inexperienced persons, however any well-fitting, supportive sneaker will do to get began.
However one sort of sneakers all lifters ought to keep away from, no matter their health stage?
“Steer clear of unfastened knit prime sneakers. These will permit foot motion backward and forward by inversion or eversion,” says Otey. “Additionally, put on sneakers which have a dense backside, not essentially thick. Simply because it is thicker doesn’t suggest it is extra supporting.”
Our in-house health consultants and workers researched and evaluated dozens of the best-selling and top-rated males’s weightlifting sneakers and power trainers available on the market. We thought of each important function from consolation and stability to design, plus many different options, equivalent to materials, heel top, sturdiness, and value. The record above represents our curated picks of the easiest males’s weightlifting sneakers and power trainers to buy in 2023.
Health and Commerce Editor
Talene Appleton is the Health and Commerce Editor at Males’s Well being, the place she covers health, vitamin, well being, and wellness. She was beforehand the Affiliate Editor of Common Surgical procedure Information, and a vitamin author for The Meals Institute. Talene is a retired skilled dancer, and likes to spend her free time cooking elaborate meals for her family and friends.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the health director of Males’s Well being and a licensed coach with greater than 10 years of coaching expertise. He is logged coaching time with NFL athletes and monitor athletes and his present coaching routine consists of weight coaching, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Earlier than becoming a member of Males’s Well being in 2017, he served as a sports activities columnist and tech columnist for the New York Day by day Information.
Commercial – Proceed Studying Under
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MONDAY, May 20, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Some folks like to count their daily steps, while others prefer exercising for a certain amount of time during a day or a week.
Luckily, either approach boosts health, a new study finds.
Exercise targets based on either step count or minutes are equally associated with lower risks of premature death and heart disease, researchers report in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
Given this, personal preferences probably are key when setting up an exercise plan, researchers said.
“For some, especially for younger individuals, exercise may involve activities like tennis, soccer, walking, or jogging, all of which can be easily tracked with steps,” said lead author Dr. Rikuta Hamaya, a researcher with the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Division of Preventive Medicine in Boston.
“However, for others, it may consist of bike rides or swimming, where monitoring the duration of exercise is simpler,” Hamaya added in a hospital news release.
Current U.S. exercise guidelines focus on minutes – at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate to vigorous physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
But smartwatches have made it easier than ever to track step counts, raising the question of whether steps would be better suited for setting exercise goals, researchers said.
“We recognized that existing physical activity guidelines focus primarily on activity duration and intensity but lack step-based recommendations,” Hamaya said.
“With more people using smartwatches to measure their steps and overall health, we saw the importance of ascertaining how step-based measurements compare to time-based targets in their association with health outcomes – is one better than the other?” Hamaya added.
For this new study, researchers analyzed data from more than 14,000 women participating in the national Women’s Health Study.
Between 2011 and 2015, participants 62 and older were asked to wear motion trackers for seven days in a row to record their physical activity, only removing the devices for sleep or water-related activities, researchers said.
On average, the participants engaged in an average of 62 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week, and accumulated nearly 5,200 steps per day.
During an average follow-up of nine years, approximately 9% of participants died and 4% developed heart disease, results show.
The most active women had 30% to 40% lower risk of death or heart disease, regardless of whether minutes or steps were counted, researchers found.
Further, women whose physical activity levels fell within the top three-quarters outlived those in the bottom quarter by an average of 2.2 months based on minutes and 2.3 months based on steps.
The survival advantage persisted regardless of differences in body-mass index, researchers noted.
Either steps or minutes have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to tracking exercise goals, Hamaya said.
Step counts can differ significantly between a 20-year-old and an 80-year-old who walk for 30 minutes at moderate intensity, Hamaya noted.
On the other hand, steps are straightforward to measure and less subject to interpretation compared to time-based exercise intensity, researchers said.
Steps also capture the physical activity contained in everyday living, not just the time spent in exercise. That’s the type of activity most common among older folks, researchers said.
“That’s why it’s important for physical activity guidelines to offer multiple ways to reach goals,” Hamaya said. “Movement looks different for everyone, and nearly all forms of movement are beneficial to our health.”
More information
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has more on physical activity guidelines for Americans.
SOURCE: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, news release, May 20, 2024
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – If you’ve been following along with us and doing your back exercises, It might be time for some recovery.
On this week’s Your Fitness, Adam from Gainesville Health and Fitness shows us stretches to help take care of your shoulders.
RELATED: Gainesville Health and Fitness: Rowing Exercises
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BATON ROUGE – Starting June 1, teens ages 14-19 can work out for free at their home Planet Fitness locations.
By preregistering through PF’s Summer Pass program, teenagers can stay active throughout the summer with no additional fees.
The program will run through the end of August. Planet Fitness has run its summer program for four years.
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