Do you actually need to walk 10,000 steps a day? Here's what experts say

Even though many research studies and experts have suggested otherwise, walking 10,000 steps a day still remains one of the most popular metrics people measure their fitness health. With most of us still striving to achieve the elusive '10,000 steps' a day, one often wonders is it a question of all or nothing? Is 10,000 steps an arbitrary number that you absolutely have to achieve and if you don't all your effort is worthless? Let's find out what an expert says and how the science backs his views.

What does expert say about the 10,000 steps a day theory?

Recently Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist from Apollo Hospitals, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his views on the topic. The Hyderabad resident posted a short clip debunking myths about the 10,000 steps a day theory with the caption " Do you really need to walk 10,000 steps a day? If you walk lesser than 10000 steps, is it worthless? Watch this video for more details."

Do you really need to walk 10,000 steps a day? If you walk lesser than 10000 steps, is it worthless?
Watch this video for more details. pic.twitter.com/FKLKwl6O1x

¡ª Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) August 26, 2024

In his insightful video, he says, "You don't need to walk 10,000 or more steps per day to achieve maximum benefits." Here he is talking about all the health benefits associated with physical fitness through walking, running, jogging or any such form of exercise that works on the step-based metric. He further adds. "The research has shown that the benefits begin with as early as 2,700 steps."

As per Dr Kumar, those who can walk 2,700 steps per day have an 8% lower risk of death while people who can walk 2,500 steps daily have an 11% lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. While the good doctor agrees that as your number of daily steps increases, the benefits also increase and highlights that the optimum number of benefits is achieved when a person walks 8,000-9,000 steps a day.

What does science say about the 10,000 steps a day theory?

Even Harvard professor and famous Youtuber Daniel Lieberman has done in-depth research regarding the topic. If you want to further increase your knowledge regarding a matter, take a look at this video by the successful paleoanthropologist.

Several research studies conducted in the recent past reveal that while walking 10,000 steps is an ideal goal and all healthy adults should strive to walk 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, the number itself lacks a solid scientific foundation. In simpler, terms there is no magic number that you have to walk to become fit or lead a healthy life. Son, the next time you are unable to meet the goal of 10,000 steps, don't get disheartened. The number that you have achieved does matter, after all, haven't you heard the saying, 'Every step counts'?

Also Read: No time to workout? Try this 10-minute walking routine and improve your heart health

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