Do you need to walk 10,000 steps a day? A walking expert weighs in

Techradar ^ | 08/09/2024 | Harry Bullmore

[ChicagoConservative27]

Walking 10,000 steps a day is one of the most popular health goals in the world, largely thanks to the influence of the best fitness trackers.

This divides opinion in the fitness space: some claim it’s an arbitrary figure which has led to an obsession with “getting your steps”, while others argue that encouraging people to move more can only be a good thing.

As a fitness writer, and someone who has walked 10,000 steps a day for more than a year, I have a foot in both camps. The number 10,000 is nice and round, but doesn’t seem to have any scientific backing. However, I also believe that walking holds more bang for your buck than most other forms of exercise, for beginners in particular.

[ChicagoConservative27]

I've wandered this myself.

[Jamestown1630]

LOL.

[HartleyMBaldwin]

I always lose count by midmorning at the latest.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

My frequent hiking has its ups and downs.

[Bonemaker]

I have two severely flattened arches which severely interfere with normal life. Knock yourselves out.

[Bayard]

Step counters are good enough.

[jimtorr]

I see what you did there.

I live on top of a ridge, where it ends. Used to have a nice view, but then the trees grew too tall. Anywhere I walk is downhill, even to get down to the ridge road, so I can walk up the ridge.

[SamAdams76]

Made a huge difference in my life. Combine the walking with a healthy diet and a good night sleep and you will find most of your health problems go away. I'm in my 60s and have zero prescription drugs. You do need to invest around 2 hours a day of walking however to hit that target - I average around 13,000 steps a day.

Doesn't have to be done all at once either. A half hour here, 20 minutes there, it adds up.

[ChicagoConservative27]

God bless

[chrisser]

I started walking about 6 weeks ago. Am averaging about 3mi/day but have no idea how many steps that is.

What’s the best way to measure step count?

[HIDEK6]

I have two severely flattened arches

Is the condition severe enough to qualify you for victim status?

[SamAdams76]

All smartphones have ability to count steps. You just need to download a health app (most of them are free). The iPhone already has a health app built in and that's what I use.

If you are one of those without a smartphone, there are Fitbit devices that you wear on your wrist like a watch.

All the above are way more accurate than the pedometers I used to clip to my belt back in the old days!

[chrisser]

Thank you.

[Pontiac]

However, I also believe that walking holds more bang for your buck than most other forms of exercise, for beginners in particular.

Good genes account for better long lasting health than anything.

But after that exercise is probably the next best thing.

It cost a bit more to get in to cycling but it is less taxing on your joints.

[Gene Eric]

wandering — good idea!

[Bullish]

Did you wander for 10,000 steps a day? Asking for a friend.

[CtBigPat]

I have an Android Phone that came with the Google Fit app that measures steps. It works OK, I even put a step counter on the home page.

[Bullish]

A “fitbit” type of device is best. It goes on your wrist like a bracelet and keeps track for you.

[Ransomed]

The most efficient way to get your steps in is to walk uphill both ways. It’s really hard, but my dad swore by this.

Freegards

[mikey_hates_everything]

A dog to wake me up and make sure I do it every morning and StepsApp. 10000 steps is about 4 miles.