New Study Challenges 10,000 Step Target for Improved Health and Longevity
Walking 10,000 steps a day may not be as accurate as once thought for improving health and longevity, according to recent research led by the University of Granada. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that simply walking 8,000 steps daily can significantly reduce the risk of premature death.
The researchers conducted a review of twelve international studies involving over 110,000 participants. They discovered that even as few as 2,600 to 2,800 steps per day have health benefits, with the benefits increasing up to around 8,800 steps per day. Walking at a brisk pace may further enhance the advantages compared to slow walking.
The study also found that outcomes did not significantly differ based on gender or the counting method used to track steps. This means that regardless of individual circumstances, taking more steps, even up to 16,000 a day, did not pose a health risk and may offer additional advantages compared to walking only 7,000 to 9,000 steps.
With the widespread availability of smartphones and smartwatches, most people now have access to devices that can conveniently track their steps. This makes it easier to incorporate these findings into daily routines. The researchers suggest starting small and gradually increasing the number of steps taken each day.
The study provides simple and concrete daily step targets that can be easily measured with smartphones or smartwatches, contributing to improved health and overall well-being. By debunking the long-standing 10,000-step target, the research suggests that a more achievable goal of 3,000 to 8,000 steps daily may be effective for better health and longevity.
For most individuals, walking at a brisk pace and reaching 7,000 to 9,000 steps may be a sensible and attainable health goal. Regardless of tracking methods or gender, it seems that walking around 8,000 steps daily may be a practical and effective way to boost health and well-being.
Incorporating these findings into daily routines has the potential to benefit individuals of all ages and fitness levels, offering a more realistic and achievable approach to improving health and increasing longevity.
Sources:
– Walking 10,000 steps a day may not be necessary, finds study. (2021, July 21). Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/walking-10000-steps-a-day-may-not-be-necessary-finds-study.
– McMahon, R. (2021, July 20). Chasing 10,000 steps? New study finds tallying how many steps you actually take may not be vital. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2-2021-07-20-16-000-steps-stride-goal/2021/07/20/3d0b5b9e-e50a-11eb-a41e-c8442c213fa8_story.html.
