Ask the Expert: Is Getting 10,000 Steps Enough Exercise? (2024)

FAQs

Is getting 10,000 steps a day enough exercise? ›

Doing any physical exercise will help contribute to a calorie deficit which is required for weight loss. Specifically walking 10,000 steps a day has been linked with weight loss, however, it's not required and shouldn't be viewed as something mandatory in order for you to lose weight.

Next, White recommends cycling, either on a stationary bike or by taking an outdoor ride. "Cycling is excellent for building leg strength, improving joint mobility, and boosting cardiovascular fitness. An hour of cycling at a moderate pace can equate to, or surpass, the benefits of 10,000 steps," he tells Best Life.

Completing an extra 10,000 steps each day typically burns about 2000 to 3500 extra calories each week. One pound of body fat equals 3500 calories, so depending on your weight and workout intensity, you could lose about one pound per week simply by completing an extra 10,000 steps each day.

Several studies suggest that with more steps per day, all-cause mortality risk (risk of death from any cause) progressively decreases before leveling off at: 7,000-10,000 steps per day for adults aged 18-59 years. 6,000-8,000 steps per day for adults aged 60+ years. 7,500 steps per day for women aged 62-101 years.

Remember: 1500 steps equals about 15 minutes of walking & 3000 steps equals about 30 minutes of walking. Your aim for week 1 is to add in an extra 1500 steps on three or more days this week to your baseline steps.

Sedentary: Less than 5,000 steps daily. Low active: About 5,000 to 7,499 steps daily. Somewhat active: About 7,500 to 9,999 steps daily. Active: More than 10,000 steps daily.

Researchers say exercising between 7–9 a.m. is best for weight management. Morning exercisers had a lower body mass index and waist circumference than those exercising later. Experts say better sleep, mental health, brain health, and physiological health are also important benefits of exercise.

Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life. For example, regular brisk walking can help you: Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat. Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

"Generally, 1 mile—or roughly 2,000 steps—walked equates to [burning] 80 to 100 calories." Since there are 3,500 calories in 1 pound, "this means to lose 1 pound, you'll need to walk roughly 35 miles or 70,000 steps. Over the course of a week, this means targeting 10,000 steps a day," says Davis.

Walking 10,000 steps daily offers a slew of physical and mental health benefits. For example, it can support healthy weight loss, improve joint health, boost mood and brain function and aid recovery. Also, walking is a low-impact exercise that's accessible to most people.

How many steps is 1 mile? ›

There are approximately 2,000 steps in a mile. While this is a good estimate, it's important to note that the number of steps each person takes per mile will vary based on height, range of motion, fitness level and balance.

The average American walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day, or roughly 1.5 to 2 miles. It's a good idea to find out how many steps a day you walk now, as your own baseline. Then you can work up toward the goal of 10,000 steps by aiming to add 1,000 extra steps a day every two weeks.

Walking has so many benefits for older people. It can improve your health and wellbeing in many ways, and it can help you to live independently for longer. Walking can: Strengthen your muscles.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), healthy seniors should walk 7,000 – 10,000 steps per day. That's an average of three to three and a half miles throughout the course of a day.

Walking can contribute to muscle strengthening, particularly in the lower body and core muscles, if you are new to exercise. While resistance training is necessary to see continued improvement, those new to physical activity can see some moderate strength gains.

Getting in 9,000 to 10,000 daily steps cuts risk of death by more than a third and reduced cardiovascular disease risk by at least 20 percent, but even smaller increases showed benefits, researchers found in a study of more than 72,000 people. “Any activity is good activity.

"Ever since I started doing the 20,000 steps a day, and eating healthier, I've lost 70 pounds." As well as weight loss, she is now completely free of high blood pressure medication and still prioritizes her daily walks, starting her mornings with a brisk four-mile walk to ensure she hits her 20,000 step target.