How do the Japanese maintain their fitness for a lifetime?

The culture of fitness and discipline in exercising at one of the sports clubs has become a societal phenomenon. This has led to companies competing to provide gyms and sports clubs in neighborhoods and cities for both men and women. Nowadays, few people do not participate in one of them, and it has become common to see some sharing videos on social media of themselves exercising, just as they do with posts about their meals at their favorite restaurants.

But on the contrary, in a country considered one of the leading nations in terms of longer lifespans for its citizens of both genders, higher health standards, and lower obesity rates and related diseases, it is Japan. The obesity rate in Japan is approximately 4%, but what is interesting is that the culture of gyms is almost nonexistent in Japan or is very rare. The Japanese see dedicating time to exercise as a social mistake and a waste of time, and it is done by enthusiasts for only short periods.

In a recent survey conducted by Rakuten Insight on 1,000 Japanese citizens aged between 20 and 60, the results revealed that about half of the respondents barely exercise, only once a month or not at all. This is due to a lack of sufficient time or simply because they do not enjoy exercising much, in addition to the fact that most people do not see exercise as a necessary part of their lifestyle.

The Japanese exercise as much or more than people from cultures dominated by gym memberships and fitness centers, but perhaps exercise in Japanese society takes forms that do not necessarily involve going to the gym, lifting weights, or running 10 kilometers. The exercise that the Japanese engage in might be the type of exercise woven into their daily lives: walking.

What the above results show is not that the Japanese do not consider exercise important for enjoying good health, but rather in the movement approach of the Japanese people,

Most people might think that it is not enough exercise to achieve good health.

Japanese adults walk an average of 6,500 steps daily, with males in their twenties to fifties walking nearly 8,000 steps daily on average, and females in their twenties to fifties walking around 7,000 steps a day.

The residents of Okinawa are particularly known for their walking culture, as they pay special attention to incorporating movement into their daily lifestyle.

In the rural Nagano Prefecture of Japan, people have managed to reverse the high stroke rate by integrating over 100 walking trails, and its residents today enjoy the highest longevity rates in the country.

Akira Suginoia, the mayor of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, says:

"Our primary goal was to get people walking. Everyone can do that. You walk, talk, and exercise, and this helps build a sense of community belonging."

Most Japanese citizens live in walkable cities where public transportation is convenient, safe, and affordable, and many families do not own cars.

As a result, when most people go to work, they walk.

When people go to the grocery store to buy their necessities, they walk.

When people go out for dinner, they walk.

It is an activity embraced by everyone every day: walking is a part of daily life like breathing.

Steps to improve lifelong health

I love exercising, and I spend a few hours each week running, cycling, swimming, and completing gymnastics exercises. I have no doubt about the benefits of a good sweat, and I find that it enhances my physical and mental health.

But the culture of discipline in a sports club for scheduled workouts can make those who are not used to it feel confused and perhaps frustrated when they are unable to commit.

And excessive indulgence in it without achieving a goal can lead to continued frustration and a sense of failure.

It can make us believe that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is only available to those who are committed to activities in gyms, lift weights consistently, and dedicate enough time to daily running.

But the truth, as shown by the Japanese experience, is that eating healthy food (which doesn't necessarily mean limiting yourself to salads for your diet to be healthy) and walking at higher rates is what you need to live a healthy life and a longer lifespan.