10 000 steps

[CuJo1992]

Why is the recommended number of steps to get 10 000? Does this provide some specific benefit? I mean, I get that the more you move the more calories you burn, but health wise, does it matter or is it just some random number that's given to people because it's a goal they can aim for? Also, what are some tips to help me get the number of steps I need in a day aside from going for a walk?

[kellykatt]

I think it's just to give you a goal and 10,000 is achieveable and better for calorie burning. Ways to get more steps, park farther away and walk, walk the stairs instead of the escalator/elevator, etc. just move around.

[Ron]

I agree. It's a goal and one that's surprisingly hard to reach. It's one that you work your way up to. That said, if you've moved 10,000 steps you've burned quite a few calories and you've moved around for a good chunk of the day, especially if you choose to get your 10,000 throughout the day instead of trying to just do it all at once.

[tobetinytina]

The reason 10,000 steps are recommended is because you can typically achieve this amount of steps by walking for 60 minutes, which is the minimum exercise daily recommendations form most health authorities.

[bonniekins]

The reason 10,000 steps are recommended is because you can typically achieve this amount of steps by walking for 60 minutes, which is the minimum exercise daily recommendations form most health authorities.

Ohhhhh! This makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing that! :)

[CuJo1992]

The reason 10,000 steps are recommended is because you can typically achieve this amount of steps by walking for 60 minutes, which is the minimum exercise daily recommendations form most health authorities.

THANK YOU! That is precisely what I wanted to know. I'm glad it actually is tied to something and not just some random number people made up. I feel a lot more motivated to strive to meet the goal and exceed it now. :)

[Kyra]

wow...if we're supposed to be getting a minimum of 10,000 that says a lot...considering most of us barely clear 5,000...myself included. It's a lot more challenging to get 10,000 steps than you might thing. Holy cow, I need to move more LOL

[tara]

I also just want to add that while your goal should definitely be 10,000, don't over do it at the start if you aren't used to getting this many steps. Start with a goal like 2000, then once you've reached that for a few days, work your way up to 5,000, then 7,000, then 8,000 and so on until you reach 10,000. If you gradually work your way up, you'll get an idea of just how much you need to move to reach your daily 10,000-step goal.

[treehuggertodd]

Also, make sure you that your use the 10,000 steps goal as a guideline. You can stroll and still get steps, but this strolling isn't doing much of anything for your health, circulation or your weight loss. It's not just about getting steps, it's about making steps count. It is far better to get 5,000 meaningful steps than 10,000 just from wandering around at a slow pace, in my opinion. Plus, pedemoters are not accurate. The general theory is that 10,000 steps equal burning 500 calories, but this isn't an exact science. As I said, your steps need to count and you need to get your heart rate up at some point.

[ChristySmiles]

The funny thing is that 10,000 steps isn't actually a recommendation from anyone. Once upon a time, a scientist gave 10,000 step as an example and everyone just ran with that. Depending on what you're doing, who you are and what you can mange, you may need more or less steps than that so try not live your life around this "rule" because it really isn't one LOL