In 1960, a Japanese company developed a pedometer called, Manpo-kei. When translated, it means 10,000 step meter. The catchy name was specifically used to create enthusiasm for people to purchase the device. However, at the time, there was no scientific evidence about how many steps were needed for good health. Therefore, the 10,000-step goal a day was just an idea to motivate and be fun that had no medical research.

Over the years, many studies have been done based on step count and walking. However, the modern lifestyle has increased sedentary life and reduced essential and basic functional activity leading to an augmentation of disease and expanding risk factors. However, health campaigns are changing to be more minimalistic to improve wellness and health to adjust to modern living.

How Many Steps to Health

Understanding your step count is not complicated—the higher number of steps, the healthier and less risk of disease and mortality. Also, the brisker you stroll and walk has a greater affect on lengthening your lifespan.

Age Groups and Activity Level for Steps

For 12-19 years old

• The minimum number of steps per day is 6,000.
• To be considered active is 10,000.
• And, highly active is 12,500.

For 20-65 years old

• The minimum is 3,000 steps.
• Active is 7,000 steps.
• And, highly active is 11,500.

And for 65 years and older

• The minimum is 3,000 steps.
• Active is 7,000 steps.
• And, highly active is 10,500.

Another way to look at your stepping health and activity level.

• Sedentary- 5,000 steps or less per day.
• Low Activity – 5,000-7,500 steps per day.
• Somewhat Active – 7,500 – 10,000 steps per day.
• Active – 10,000 – 12,500 steps per day.
• Highly Active – 12,500 steps or more.

Can You Lose Weight By Steps?

By taking 5,000 steps a day, you will burn 200 calories. So, if you step this each week for seven days, you will burn 1,400 calories. One pound is 3,500 calories. If taking 10,000 steps, you will burn 400 calories a day and 3,200 calories a week. Most people need to expend 400-500 calories daily to lose one pound a week. So, 10,000 steps or more is the magic number if you want to lose weight.

Disease Prevention

The CDC found that taking 8,000 steps per day vs. 4,000 steps had lowered your risk for disease and mortality by 51%. And that taking 12,000 steps lowered your risk by 65%. Furthermore, to walk 5000 steps takes roughly 50-60 minutes. So, if you hit 5,000 steps daily three to four times a week, it meets the CDC requirements for exercise recommendations.

An important note for older people. A study found that those over 60 had a 46 percent lower risk of death walking at an average pace. And those who walked faster than usual had a 53 percent lower chance.

LA Rams Use Step Technology

The Los Angeles Rams have been among the least injured teams in the last five years. And they use step technology to track their players’ step count. This is their primary tool for predicting the health and injury of their players. The team’s doctor says when a player approaches maximum step count, they scale back or provide recovery and rest during their practice to avoid injury.

According to Dr. ElAttrache, the LA Rams doctor, walking seems passive and relatively ordinary at first glance. But if enough steps are taken, it holds a significant element of a person’s training program. Walking is a low-impact activity that puts less stress on your joints and ligaments than weightlifting or running. However, those steps add up quickly. And when you pair the steps with the physical strain of the players’ daily lifting and running, it causes a player to be overworked and raises their risk of injury throughout the football season.

He further commented that this had provided incredible success, and they can stretch out productivity accordingly.

The step count can be fun to do. If you have a phone or a smartwatch, they can track every step you take. Every move you make. It’s constantly tracking you. Before you start your tracking, know your daily step count average. Try to increase your steps each day gradually. Make it fun by not taking shortcuts and taking more time to walk places. It can be cool to see how many steps your daily routine performs. Also, it can help you focus on moving more and avoid sitting so much.