How many steps before it counts?

Step counters and activity trackers have become very popular as we strive to live healthier lives. They offer a quick and easy way to keep track of how much you actually move throughout the day. But most people have probably experienced coming home from work and realizing that they’ve taken very few steps during the workday.

But what do you do then? 10,000 steps might seem completely overwhelming at this point, and you might end up not going for that walk at all. But how many steps are actually needed before it has a positive effect on your health?

How many steps should you take each day?

A new study has sought to shed light on this question. It finds that even though the group that walks about 10,000 steps a day experiences the greatest health benefits in terms of the risk of premature death and the risk of cardiovascular disease, there are still significant health benefits to be gained on the way to reaching 10,000 steps.

ANYTHING is better than nothing, and walking about 4,000 steps would yield 50% of the total benefits of walking 10,000 steps. However, the greatest benefits were still achieved by reaching the 10,000-step mark.

While the number of steps is important, it’s also important to focus on the quality of your steps. Walking at a moderate to high intensity—where you feel slightly out of breath and warmed up—can lead to even greater health benefits than simply taking a large number of steps at a slow pace.

7 Tips for Increasing Your Daily Step Count

1. Set realistic goals: Start by setting a realistic goal based on your current activity level, and gradually increase it over time.
2. Find opportunities to walk: Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a walk during your lunch break, or take an extra lap around the block after dinner.
3. Incorporate a pedometer into your daily routine: Use a pedometer or activity tracker to keep track of your step count and motivate yourself to reach your goals.
4. Get others involved: Organize a competition with friends or coworkers to see who can reach the highest number of steps during the week to keep your motivation high.
5. Get some exercise at work, for example through a company fitness program.
6. Create an active workplace that encourages physical activity.
7. Vary your route: Explore new trails or parks to keep your walk interesting and motivating.

Whether or not you reach 10,000 steps a day, the most important thing is to find a routine that fits your lifestyle and that you enjoy. A pedometer can be a useful tool to motivate you and keep you accountable—but it’s important to remember that any form of activity contributes to your health and well-being, regardless of the number of steps.

So take the first step today, and let your steps count toward a healthier lifestyle.