(NewsNation) — “Japanese walking,” also known as high-intensity interval walking, is the latest health craze that has been taking over the internet. Some experts even say the practice is better than aiming for 10,000 steps a day.

Though that may sound absurd, studies have shown that “Japanese walking” does carry significant health benefits such as weight loss, lower blood sugar and less inflammation.

So, what exactly is “Japanese walking,” and how can you practice it?

Where does ‘Japanese walking’ come from?

Though social media coined the term “Japanese walking,” it did not invent the practice.

According to Women’s Health Magazine, the term “Japanese walking” stems from a 2007 study conducted by Shinshu University in Japan. This study found that high-intensity interval walking could potentially reduce common health issues seen in older adults, such as high blood pressure.

The study’s results were confirmed by a Journal of Diabetes study published earlier this year, which also found that diabetic patients who practiced high-intensity interval walking had improved walking ability compared to those who did not.

How can I practice ‘Japanese walking’?

All “Japanese walking” involves is alternating three minutes of fast walking that elevates your heart rate with three minutes of slow walking that brings it back down. You can repeat this process as many or as few times as you want, though experts recommend going for at least 30 minutes to reap the full benefits.

Japanese walking requires no equipment and can be easily practiced whether one is indoors on a treadmill or outside on a walking path.

How can this compete with 10K steps/day?

Compared to those who maintained a consistent pace while walking, Shinshu University found in their study that the group who practiced high-intensity interval walking had better strength and aerobic capacity.

Additionally, getting 10,000 steps a day is intimidating for people who have neither the time nor the energy to achieve it. (It also started as a marketing ploy.)

Fitness coach Eugene Teo explained to The Los Angeles Times that “a lot of people have this all-or-nothing approach where they think, ‘Oh, I can’t hit 10,000 steps. I’ve failed.’ It’s about just changing the stigma people have and that all-or-nothing mentality … of what fitness should be about.”

Another recent study found that a daily goal of 7,000 steps is not only more realistic but just as beneficial as the aforementioned 10,000. If that still sounds daunting to you, health experts recommend making small increases to your current activity levels and focusing on how long you’re physically active.

Nexstar’s Addy Bink contributed to this report.