Walking 10,000 Steps a Day

Perhaps you have a goal for 2024 of walking more or simply walking 10,000 steps a day. This goal would not be that unusual as many pedometers and wearable fitness devices track steps with the idea of getting 10,000 steps.

Walking is a wonderful way to explore nature, get some moderate exercise and spend time with friends. I find that a good walk with a friend of mine makes the time fly and my heart sing.

10,000 is an “easy” number to remember. Depending on your stride length, this may be 5 miles give or take. Without a doubt, walking is probably the most popular exercise because it takes no money, little time and is one of the most easy to schedule. In the winter, I like to walk indoors at my gym, or at a large store or mall, simply because I don’t like to be walking on ice in Ohio. In general I prefer walking outdoors in nature.

In looking into the amount of steps, you may be surprised that the idea of getting 10,000 steps a day isn’t really based on a scientific study.

Where did the idea from of walking 10000 steps a day being the magic number? Ironically it was an arbitrary number selected as a marketing program for a company in 60’s who created a pedometer. The Japanese manufacturer of this pedometer selected the number 10,000 because the character for 10,000 written in Japanese looks a little bit like a running man.

I find that I have to use my imagination a little bit, because technically it’s more like a headless running person.

10000 steps per day - the Japanese character looks like a running man

 

Some people think that 10,000 is not a good goal for “older” women. Other people feel like tracking steps feels more like work and is counter productive. What do you think? Do you have some thoughts on walking 10000 steps a day?  If so, please leave a comment below.

 

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