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Fri, February 14, 2025
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Is 10,000 Steps Enough? The Origin of This Daily Fitness Goal May Surprise You


Published on 2025-02-14 09:43:12 - CNET
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  • A JAMA Internal Medicine article also points out that there is "limited scientific basis" to back up the claim that taking 10,000 steps a day is necessary for health -- though the study did find that the participants who took more steps per day (over a four-year period) had a lower mortality rate than those who took fewer steps.

The article from CNET discusses the widely accepted goal of walking 10,000 steps per day, exploring whether this number is sufficient for maintaining fitness. It traces the origin of this step count to a marketing campaign for a pedometer in Japan in the 1960s, rather than scientific research. The piece delves into various studies and expert opinions which suggest that while 10,000 steps can be beneficial, the actual number of steps needed for health benefits can vary based on individual factors like age, fitness level, and health goals. For instance, research indicates that health benefits can start at around 7,000 to 8,000 steps, with diminishing returns after 10,000 steps. The article also highlights that the intensity of the steps matters; brisk walking or incorporating intervals can enhance cardiovascular benefits. Moreover, it points out that for some, especially those with sedentary lifestyles, even fewer steps can significantly improve health, while for others, particularly athletes or those looking to lose weight, more steps or additional forms of exercise might be necessary. The consensus seems to be that while 10,000 steps is a good general target, personalizing step goals based on individual health metrics and lifestyle could be more effective.

Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/is-10000-steps-a-day-enough-to-keep-you-fit/ ]
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