Many of us are counting our steps every day, but did you ever wonder where the goal of 10,000 steps a day came from?  Joe Cannon, a consumer advocate dedicated to educating fitness trainers and the public on exercise, health and wellness, did some digging and found that the number actually dates back to the 1960s.  “Back then, there was a company in Japan making a pedometer called –wait for it... – The 10,000 steps meter.”

While all the talk about how we all should aim for taking 10,000 steps a day may look like an arbitrary number, 10,000 steps a day is still a healthy goal for many people.  However, we are all unique individuals with different health profiles and fitness objectives.  While studies show that the average American gets in about 5000 steps a day, this objective can vary by our age, education level and other demographics.  The appropriate goal depends on your current fitness level and other unique health considerations.  For someone just starting out on a fitness regime with their new Fitbit, for example, suddenly going from a low level of daily activity to 10,000 steps a day will likely lead to overuse injuries, like tendinitis and shin splints.  For someone with arthritis, a quick jump to 10,000 steps a day could cause arthritic flair ups.

As a general rule, taking 3000 steps a day provides about 30 minutes of physical activity.  This meets the minimum requirement for good health by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.  If you do not find yourself with a solid block of 30 minutes or more for exercise, you can break it up into smaller chunks.  Walk 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes during the day and 10 minutes in the evening. 

In Joe’s review, which you can review here, he outlined a simple way to build up to 10,000 steps or whatever is right for you.  Rather than focusing on a specific number of steps per day, the most important point is to get regular exercise on a consistent basis.  As Joe reminds us, “a body in motion stays in motion. A body at rest stays at rest.”