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Wellness
LifestyleHealth & Wellness

Pros and cons of aiming for 10,000 steps a day and why less can be more

Walking 10,000 steps a day comes with a host of powerful health benefits but can be an off-putting goal for people who sit all day for work

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Although it is a powerful motivator for many, the goal of taking 10,000 steps a day can be seen as an unrealistic and daunting one for others. Photo: Tobias Hase/dpa
dpa

When it comes to daily step goals, 10,000 is the benchmark many of us aim for.

Most smartwatches come preset with this target, and while their reminders can encourage us to stay active, they can sometimes leave us feeling discouraged when we fall short.

With National Walking Month in May approaching, we consulted experts to explore the key benefits and drawbacks of the 10,000-steps-a-day goal.

Where did the 10,000-step goal come from and is it backed by science?

While the standard is widely accepted, its origins are rooted in marketing rather than scientific research.

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“My understanding of the 10,000-step goal is that it comes from Japanese marketing back in the 60s, originally driven around pedometer sales. Therefore, this 10,000-step benchmark has no scientific base or value,” says Professor Dane Vishnubala, a consultant physician in sport and exercise medicine at the University of Leeds in England, and chief medical adviser at Active IQ, a UK-based agency that awards qualifications for the physical activity sector.
“There’s no research to prove 10,000 is the sweet spot, and actually most research suggests that a lot less steps than that still has significant benefits.”

What are the positives of the 10,000-step goal?

Keiren Douglas, a personal trainer at Nuffield Aberdeen gym in Scotland, thinks that the main benefit of the 10,000 daily step goal is that it provides a tangible number for people to aim for.

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