How many STEPS should I walk per day to stay HEALTHY?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most adults aim for 10,000 steps per day. This is equivalent to about 5 miles or 8 kilometers. Getting 10,000 steps per day can help you improve your cardiovascular health, reduce your risk of obesity, diabetes, and some types of cancer, and improve your mood and sleep.
However, the number of steps you need to walk per day to stay healthy may vary depending on your age, fitness level, and health goals. For example, older adults may need to walk fewer steps per day than younger adults, and people with certain health conditions may need to walk more steps.
If you are new to walking, start with a goal of 3,000-4,000 steps per day and gradually increase your step count as you get stronger. You can also break up your steps throughout the day by taking a walk during your lunch break, walking around the block before bed, or parking further away from your destination.
Here are some tips for getting more steps in your day:
- Wear a fitness tracker to track your steps.
- Set a daily step goal and try to beat it each day.
- Take a walk during your lunch break or after work.
- Park further away from your destination and walk the rest of the way.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Walk around your house or apartment during commercial breaks in TV shows.
- Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes.
Even a small increase in the number of steps you walk per day can have a positive impact on your health. So get moving and start walking today!