We have all heard about the hype around walking ten thousand steps, but what is the reason for this? Why is every fitness trainer an influencer on Instagram talking about doing the steps every day? Does this claim really have any scientific backing or is it just one more campaign started by a brand?
We will answer all these questions and more in this article, so keep reading.
Where do ten thousand steps come from?
The idea to do 10000 steps comes from a Japanese marketing campaign which was initiated for a Pedometer in the mid-1960s. This was to also maximize the spirit of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Sure, this started as a way to promote their product. But it has definitely done more good than harm. Thanks to this campaign, even decades later a lot of us focus on getting these steps every day. But is there any scientific reason for this claim?
The science behind ten thousand steps
So, many of us have often wondered, if is there any research to claim the benefits of 10000 steps.
Well, recently there was a study published which showed that people who did 7000 to 10000 steps a day had a 50 to 70% lower risk of mortality than those who didn’t. This benefit was seen across men and women. It is also noticed that the benefits don’t significantly improve once you go beyond 10000 steps. The statistics however do change for older women, where they can see significant benefits by walking as little as 4,500 steps every day.
Easy ways to get in those steps every day
Below are some easy ways you can use to get in those steps every day.
– Walk while you talk
The easiest way to get in your steps is to walk every time you talk on the phone, be it a personal or a work call. You can pace around the house, and if you don’t have too much space you can march on the spot.
If you have space issues, you can use an under-desk treadmill or under-bed treadmill to help you reach your daily step goal.
– Netflix and walk
We all spend a ton of time consuming content on our favourite streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu. You can maximize this time by walking on the spot or using the best heavy-duty treadmill.
– Park at the last spot
You might find this recommendation slightly crazy but parking your car in the last spot when you go to the office or buy groceries will inevitably mean you will need to do more steps.
– Make multiple trips to the car
Like the previous point, not many people follow this but it is an easy way to get in the steps. Make multiple trips to your car to bring your groceries.
You can even apply the same logic when you are doing chores around the house. Sure, it is definitely more time-consuming but will help you reach your daily step goal very easily.
