why 10,000 steps?

The goal of doing 10,000 steps a day came from a concept in Japan that started nearly 40 years ago. When you think of the Japanese, you think of a very fit, ageless group of people. We are aware of the Japanese diet that consists primarily of fish, rice and vegetables, and little, if any, processed foods. In addition to eating in a healthy way, the Japanese lead walking lifestyles. This helps them to achieve their fitness levels without additional exercise programs.

The Japanese are focused on doing 10,000 steps a day. That equals about 5 miles a day, depending on your stride.

The average American takes about 2,300 to 3,000 steps daily, closer to 1.5 miles, according to a study by Novartis Nutrition. The study referencing the Amish told us that the average American walks about 4,000 steps a day. Regardless of the exact number, we are woefully under this healthy threshold of 10,000 steps.

Remember, the University of Tennessee study found walking 10,000 steps a day had a huge impact on body fat and waist and hip measurements even compared to a 6,000 step a day count!

We firmly believe that knowing your beginning step count and increasing it is key to healthier and happier individuals. For most of us, 10,000 steps a day is a great goal to achieve. Of course, goals can vary due to physical condition and to personal desires, such as losing weight. You should always consult with your physician before starting a new exercise plan.

Learn more about the benefits of walking and how WalkStyles got started.