Creator: egbertsantiago
Published: 2023-06-21T04:53:13Z
Keywords: physical activity

Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise and has countless benefits for your health. Walking can help improve your mood, relieve stress, and lower your risk of various diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

But how many steps should you aim for to achieve these benefits?.

Why 10,000 Steps Became a Popular Goal

You may have heard that 10,000 steps per day is the magic number for optimal health. This number became popular because of a Japanese pedometer company’s marketing campaign in the early 1960s.

The company sold a pedometer called “Manpo-kei,” which means “10,000 steps meter” in English. The idea was simple: walk 10,000 steps a day, and you’ll be healthier.

The 10,000 steps goal has since become a widely recognized benchmark for daily physical activity. It’s even recommended by some organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association.

Is 10,000 Steps Enough for Everyone?

While 10,000 steps a day is a good goal for most people, it may not be enough for everyone. For example, it may not be sufficient for young children or older adults who have mobility issues.

Additionally, some people may require more or less physical activity depending on their health status, fitness level, and goals.

According to a study published in the Lancet, the magic number for longevity is not 10,000 steps per day but closer to 7,500 steps.

Researchers studied the activity levels of over 16,000 women aged 62 to 101 and found that those who took 7,500 steps per day had a lower risk of dying over the course of the 4.3-year follow-up compared to those who took fewer steps.

Another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that 7,500 steps per day was associated with a lower risk of heart disease in middle-aged women.

Of course, any level of activity is better than none, and there are additional health benefits to increasing your step count beyond 7,500 per day.

How to Increase Your Step Count

If you’re not currently meeting your daily step goal, there are simple ways to increase your activity level:.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
Go for a walk during your lunch break.
Park your car at the back of the parking lot and walk to your destination.
Take a walk after dinner instead of watching TV.

Small changes like these can add up and help you reach your step goal.

The Benefits of Walking More

Walking has numerous health benefits beyond just increasing your step count:.

It can improve your cardiovascular health by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
It can help you maintain a healthy weight or contribute to weight loss by burning calories.
It can improve your mood and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
It can strengthen your bones and muscles and improve your mobility and balance.
It can reduce your risk of various diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Walking is a low-impact exercise that is suitable for most people, regardless of fitness level. It’s a great way to improve your health and well-being.