Do 10,000 Steps A Day Even Matter?

What is all the hype with 10,000 steps per day? Does it really matter if we hit this many steps daily. 

Did you know?

“In the 1960s, a Japanese company created a pedometer called ‘Manpo-kei,’ which translates to ‘10,000 steps meter.’ The number was chosen because it sounded catchy and promoted an active lifestyle,” explains Kelly Sturm, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and cancer rehab specialist. Yes, you read that right. This goal did not originate from health organization guidelines. Instead, it was a trendy marketing idea!

So it’s a marketing scheme?!

Here’s the deal, science has proven that adding more steps to your day helps with the following:

• Obesity

• Mental health (helps fight anxiety and depression)

• Live longer 

• Live better

• Reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes

• Improves cognitive function

So how many steps do you actually need?

It’s no secret that majority of us live a sedentary lifestyle and need to move more. Did you try our 10k steps a day challenge in April? Did you notice how little steps you get in a day? It’s an eye opener for sure. We sit A LOT!

For optimal health we encourage you to shoot for 7,500-10,000 steps per day. There are studies showing that within this range, will help you live a healthy lifestyle.

Here are my tips when it comes to counting steps:

1. If you are new to working out, 10k steps a day can be daunting. Start with a 10 minute walk instead. 

2. Wear comfy and supportive shoes. 

3. Make sure you incorporate stretching if you are going to up your step game. 

4. Be strategic about your day. Get a walking pad for your office, park far away, have walking meetings, meet up with a friend for a walk. 

We hope you continue to get those steps in or begin your step journey today. 

Need help getting steps in? Give this speed walking workout a try. https://youtu.be/z1TMaKuM_7w