The idea that you need to log 10,000 steps a day for good health has been debunked by a new scientific analysis in The Lancet Public Health. A review of 88 studies found that taking 7,000 steps a day was associated with lower risks of serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
However, the study also discovered that the health benefits of walking beyond 7,000 steps were minimal. “The incremental improvement beyond 7,000 steps per day was small,” researchers wrote. “Therefore, 7,000 steps per day might be a more realistic and achievable recommendation for some.”
Experts weigh in on the myth surrounding the 10,000-step goal, which originated from Japan. “There wasn’t a scientific basis for it,” says Dani Singer, CPT, founder of Fit2Go Personal Training. Albert Matheny, RD, CSCS, co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab, adds that the number was likely chosen as a marketing campaign.
While hitting 10,000 steps isn’t bad for you, the exact number is not based on scientific data. “The data show health gains level off well before 10,000,” Singer says. “Mortality and cardiovascular risk improvements start at just 2,000.” Matheny recommends aiming for 5,000 to 7,000 steps a day as a more realistic goal.
Ultimately, any amount of walking is beneficial. “A thousand steps is way better than zero,” Matheny says. If you aim for 10,000 steps but don’t reach it, don’t worry – hitting your daily step count can still have health benefits.
Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a65499412/daily-step-count-science-study