Every day, thousands of people use fitness apps to track their movement through steps, calories burned etc. Most try to reach a goal of about 10,000 steps daily as a benchmark with the belief that only that many steps will help them reach their goals.
College students spend hours upon hours in lectures, study sessions, meetings, events etc. By the end of the day, it is only natural to feel the energy drained out of the body. To some it is like a motivation or piece of cake while to others it seems nearly impossible with the little time they have by the end of the day.
But are 10,000 steps daily actually necessary?
According to Arrice Shipley, a family medicine doctor at the University of Michigan Health Ypsilanti Health Center, said that setting a daily step goal should be personalized. It should be based on personal health, activity level and lifestyle.
People should opt for an achievable step mark and increase their goal as they improve. “For most middle-aged adults, starting with 7,000 steps is a great starting point,” Shipley said.
7,000 steps or even less might not reach the 10,000-step requirement that is popular but are still quite effective in giving individuals the result they wish to have.
10,000 steps a day did not originate from any research but from a marketing strategy used in Japan in the 1960s. According to Shipley and many other articles, the idea came from a marketing campaign for a pedometer called “Manpo-kei” which translates to “10,000 steps meter.” Eventually, this was adopted through generations and generations and now by fitness apps as a daily mark.
While the goal should be achievable and might be less for many others, moderate movement and walking could still be beneficial.
Researchers conducted a study review and a meta-analysis including 57 studies to understand the impact of walking steps and health. Results showed that those who walked 7,000 steps had a lower risk of cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, and cancer risk.
According to health experts, walking even a daily of 4,000 to 7,000 steps can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. It can also help train the joints, lower blood sugar, and build stamina. Walking daily in parks, tracks, etc., can improve mental health and reduce stress in many.
Unlike workout routines which are for more intense results, walking is flexible and can be done at any time throughout the day. Fixating on a mark of 10,000 or more steps daily without understanding your health, activity level and lifestyle can hinder progress and take away the bigger picture.
Health goals are different from one to another. Consistency matters more than numbers and that is what helps achieve better results.
Although, 4,000 or 7,000 might be less popular compared to the 10,000– step mark, it is important to know that even less can be beneficial. It is easier to start small and grow than to start big.
