You Don’t Need to Walk 10,000 Steps a Day: Here’s the Right Number

Do you feel like 10,000 steps a day is a bit too much?

Good news—it’s an arbitrary number, and it’s not something you actually need to aim for.

For women, the ideal step count is actually much lower, and you can learn more about it in the following slides.

So, you can absolutely keep your body healthy without pushing yourself to the extreme.

Is it really necessary to walk 10,000 steps a day?

New research shows that fewer steps can still provide significant health benefits.

Many people have heard that walking 10,000 steps a day is the key to good health.

But what if that goal is unnecessarily high?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 10,000 steps per day.

That’s why fitness apps, smartwatches, and pedometers have adopted this number as a standard.

But is it truly necessary?

For a lot of people, reaching 10,000 steps is too difficult.

If you have a sedentary job or an inactive daily routine, this goal may feel unattainable.

This can lead to frustration and even discourage people from walking more altogether.

Research shows that you don’t need 10,000 steps a day to see health benefits.

A positive effect already starts at just 4,400 steps per day.

A major study involving 16,741 women with an average age of 72 found that:

Women who walked 4,400 steps daily had a 41% lower mortality rate over four years.

Compared to those who only walked 2,700 steps per day.

You don’t need to hit 10,000 steps.

4,400 steps per day already provide major health benefits.

For even greater benefits, research suggests that 7,500 steps per day is a great target.

4,400 steps is a much more realistic goal for many.

What does that look like?

• A brisk walk for 30-40 minutes

• Several short walks throughout the day

• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator

• Go for a walk after lunch

• Walk around while talking on the phone

• Park further away from your destination

• Remember—every step counts!

• You don’t need 10,000 steps to be healthy

• 4,400 steps is a great starting point

• 7,500 steps provide even greater health benefits

• The most important thing is to move more in your daily life

Start today—it’s easier than you think!