Walking is one of the best and easiest ways to exercise. No special equipment is needed, no membership, and you can do it alone or with someone else. Since the invention of wearable tech like Fitbit and smartwatches, social media pundits have put forth the goal of 10,000 steps a day.
I did some research and discovered that there is no universal standard for how many steps you should take each day. Turns out, factors such as how much time you have to exercise, your fitness level, and your age all influence how many steps you end up walking in a day. For instance, if you’re just getting back into fitness, you’ll likely walk a smaller number of steps per day. Conversely, if you are already active, perhaps your goal might be a higher number of steps to maximize your fitness.
Due to all these different factors, rather than aiming to hit 10,000 steps a day, it’s better to set attainable goals for walking. Here are some small ways you can naturally add more steps in a day:
- Park further away from the mall or your workplace
- Take a walk during your lunch hour
- Go for a walk with a friend
When it comes to walking, I’m less concerned about the number on my watch and more interested in making movement part of my day. No prescription required—just a comfortable pair of shoes and the desire to keep moving. Take care of yourselves and each other.
By Steve Bond, BSc. Phm.
