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‘Japanese walking’ is a fitness trend worth trying

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nytwalk - The New York Times News Syndicate pix - A woman walks for exercise in New York on March 13, 2024. A method nicknamed “Japanese walking” on social media — also known as interval walking training, or IWT — seems to offer greater advantages than a simple stroll, or even than walking at a moderate pace for 8,000 or more steps a day. 
PHOTO: NICHOLAS SANSONE/NYTIMES

“Japanese walking”, or interval walking training, involves alternating between fast and slow walking.

PHOTO: NICHOLAS SANSONE/NYTIMES

Danielle Friedman

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NEW YORK – Going for a walk is one of the simplest workouts, but it can have powerful health impacts. Walking has been linked to improved mental and cardiovascular health, and it can be effective for managing back pain.

But not all walking is equally effective.

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