How Walking Improves Our Lives
Do you really need 10,000 steps a day to maximize the benefits of walking?
By Karin Meessen
It is widely known at this point that physical activity is an effective method to reduce morbidity and mortality due to multiple chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. Overall physical activity associated with better quality of life.[1]
The simplest and fastest way to monitor physical activity is by recording the number of steps acquired per day, especially since the majority of the general public has access to a mobile device these days.
Which brings us to the famous 10,000 Steps.
Researchers believe that this magic number originated in the marketing department of the Yamasa Clock and Instrument Company in Japan. In 1965, they made a pedometer named Manpo-kei, which translates to “10,000 steps meter” in English.
57 years later, the recommendation to take 10,000 steps a day has become ingrained in Western culture.
So, Do You Need 10,000 Steps a Day?
“There’s nothing magical about 10,000 steps,” says Shawn Arent, PhD, CSCS, professor and chair of the department of exercise science and director of the sport and science lab at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.
“I encourage people to not focus on one number or one part of their health,” says Larry Nolan, DO, a sports medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.
The Final Word
Aim to improve your lack of overall movement.
Any individual will benefit from regular physical exercise. Someone who regularly walks 6,000 steps a day will also stay healthy. It is important to set a target for fitness which meets your individual goals and needs.
Set a goal that you will commit to and stay motivated to complete it, and then maintain your personal fitness level.
If counting steps may help you stay on top of your physical activity and reduce your time spent sitting, go for it.
Using the CDC’s physical activity guidelines can help you focus on quantity as well as duration and the type of movement you’re getting.
Last but not least, enjoy the journey and appreciate what your body can do.
[1] Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S et al. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior. Br J Sports Med. 2020; 54: 1451-1462 https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/24/1451s=09&int_source=trendmd&int_medium=cpc&int_campaign=usage-042019
