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Al Roker Advocates for Walking as Key to Health and Longevity
At 70 years of age, Al Roker remains committed to staying active through walking. This dedication is so strong that he chooses public transportation over cabs occasionally, just to increase his step count.
According to Roker, “I might take the bus home and then walk, or take the subway and walk, as opposed to getting the cab,” he shared with CNBC Make It. He appreciates the simplicity of walking, highlighting that it can be done at any time and requires minimal equipment—just a good pair of walking shoes.
Roker’s walking journey began in 2020 after his doctor recommended he walk five miles daily following his recovery from prostate cancer surgery, as reported by TODAY.com. He attributed part of his resilience during a hospitalization for blood clots in 2022 to his routine walks, believing they mitigated potential health risks.
“My doctor said the physical condition I was in because of the walking — because of the cardio — probably helped save my life,” Roker stated during a 2023 segment on the TODAY show. He noted that had he not been in good shape, the outcomes could have been considerably worse.
As Chief Motivation Officer for the wellness app Start TODAY, Roker established an impressive habit of walking 10,000 steps every day for 210 consecutive days. He also logged 100 miles in just 19 days last January, demonstrating his commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Research supports Roker’s enthusiasm for walking, indicating that for every 2,000 steps taken, an individual’s risk of cancer, heart disease, and early death decreases by 10%. This effect peaks at approximately 10,000 steps each day, according to studies published in JAMA Neurology and JAMA Internal Medicine.
Given Roker’s demanding schedule, he finds walking to be a convenient exercise option. “It’s something you can do on the way to something else,” he explained. He admits that he isn’t particularly fond of other types of exercise, stating, “I feel like you set yourself up. ‘Oh, I’m gonna do this.'” Instead, he encourages simplifying the approach to fitness: “Just pick one thing that’s easy and do it.”
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