Walking 10,000 steps a day? Who the heck came up with that ridiculous idea?
I have a hunch there are a lot of pedometers stuffed away in junk drawers gathering dust right now. Because I bet, there are a bunch of folks who tried… and failed… to hit that often-repeated daily walking target.
Now new research exposes the truth about that number. It’s a myth.
To be clear, I wouldn’t discourage you from walking that much in a day if you’re able. Walking is fantastic for your health.
But the fact is many people aren’t able to reach that goal. And that’s especially true of folks slowed down by age, arthritis, muscle loss, frailty, disability, or any similar condition.
So I’ve got a NEW walking goal for you today. And don’t worry, this one is so much easier and far more realistic.
Plus, it’ll also give you all of the same benefits of that old 10,000-steps-a-day goal without having to go nearly as far.
Live LONGER with a step-by-step plan
I’ve always been a little suspicious of the advice that we should be walking 10,000 steps a day. And not only because it’s really hard (or even downright impossible) for many people.
It’s also because the number is simply TOO perfect. Out in the real world, data rarely ends up with a big round number like that.
The latest walking research immediately looks more realistic. The metanalysis examined a far wider range of numbers, dividing folks into four groups based on the approximate number of steps per day they walked on average:
- 3,500 steps per day
- 5,800 steps per day
- 7,800 steps per day
- 10,900 steps per day
In general, the study finds you REALLY don’t want to be in the first group because that’s where most of the risks are.
And if you’re anywhere above group two – if you’re going beyond 5,800 steps per day – you’re doing just great. Hitting that basic (and REALISTIC) walking target could cut your risk of early death by 40-53 percent.
Hit the walking sweet spot
In addition, walking more doesn’t necessarily lead to the biggest benefits. For seniors, maximum protection is typically somewhere in the 6,000-8,000 steps per day range, or roughly an hour a day of walking.
Remember, you don’t have to do that walking all in one go, either. Your “incidental” steps, even just going out to the mailbox, count toward your total.
The new study looked solely at overall longevity. But we know from other research that a daily walk can help with some other specific conditions, too.
For example, walking can help protect against cardiovascular problems, ultimately reducing your risk for heart attack and stroke, elevated triglycerides, high blood pressure, and more. Plus, taking enough steps in the day can even cut your odds of dementia.
So maybe it’s time to rescue the pedometer from the “junk drawer” and give it another go. But this time, with a much more realistic walking goal in mind.
For some tips on getting even MORE benefits from every step you take, check out my earlier report, “Are you walking the WRONG way?”
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