You’ve have a new fitness tracker or perhaps a sudden urge of exercise motivation. You want to start walking your way to 10,000 steps daily. That’s what doctors and fitness experts recommend, right? Well, is that the right goal for you? It all depends on your fitness level and personal goals.
Setting Your Step Goal
The average American takes 3,000 – 4,000 steps daily. About how exactly many do you take? Before you set a step goal, know where you are right now. If you walk 4,000 steps daily but are trying to lose weight, you will want to increase your activity. Should you walk a lot less because you have a sedentary job or mobility issues, 10,000 is probably not realistic right now. You may want to start with less and progress.
Generally speaking, improve your step count if you have a weight-loss goal and feel that you can make room for more exercise. Lower your goal from 10,000 for those who have health conditions or mobility problems that limit exercise, or if you aren’t accustomed to physical activity. Success is made with progress with time.
Benefits of Setting a Step Goal
Why is setting one step goal helpful? Walking is good for you in many ways. It can be fun, therapeutic, and great for weight control. Not to mention your health overall! Take a look at a few of its many benefits:
- Heightens mood and relieves stress
- Improves sleep quality
- Helps with weight control
- Reduces blood pressure
- Reduces risk for heart disease, diabetes and other diseases
- Reduces risk for some cancers
It’s All about Lifestyle Changes
Increasing your daily steps is great, but this might not be worth much if your goal is just short-term weight-loss. Regular exercise should be part of your way of life and something you turn into a habit. Habits usually take at least 30 days to build. It is recommended that you receive at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.
If this sounds hard to you, there are many easy ways to move more. Try a few of these tips to increase your daily step count:
- Take your pet for longer, more frequent walks.
- Schedule workday walks to stay energized.
- Listen to upbeat, motivating music.
- Park your car farther away.
- Take a walk while waiting.
- Include all your family members in your walks.
Conclusion
Walking 10,000 steps daily is great, but this number may not be the defacto standard for everyone. Step goals should be personalized. Before setting your individual step goal, figure out your level of fitness. Then ask yourself, “What goals do I want to reach?” Next, start to appreciate the simplicity of walking. It will get easier and more enjoyable as time passes. Your ultimate goal will depend on your starting point, but everyone can benefit from walking more.