A walking routine out of Japan is giving your traditional cardio workout a serious run for its money. Dubbed “Japanese walking,” this high-intensity interval workout has recently taken TikTok by storm, promising improved heart health, endurance and leaner-looking legs.

The method is simple: Alternate between three minutes of brisk walking and three minutes of slower walking. Repeat this on-off cycle five times for 30 minutes.

Although the workout might be the latest trend, the concept is rooted in science. Developed by professors at Shinshu University, the routine was tested in a 2007 study involving adults over a five-month period. Those who followed the interval-based walking method saw notable improvements in blood pressure, leg strength and overall aerobic capacity — outperforming

See Full Page