Hello Ziddis! Are you also stuck in the loop of waking up, working all day sitting, worrying about your step count, sleeping, repeat? Hitting a particular step count a day has become the new cool for fitness enthusiasts. Walking is always credited as the best exercise but is there a particular count on the number of steps really essential? Let us understand this goal better especially if you are someone stuck indoors for most of the day.
Many believe 10,000 steps is the ideal step count one needs to achieve. It is a benchmark, so the actual number of steps varies based on factors like fitness level, health goals, and lifestyle. Studies suggest that even 7,000 to 8,000 steps per day can significantly improve your health, especially by reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. If your goal is weight loss or to improve your endurance, you must aim for 10,000 steps or more. This would be beneficial for you to reach your goal.
The 10,00 steps concept originated from a Japanese marketing campaign in the 1960s. It was initially introduced as a concept, not a research-backed health tip. Later on as it gained popularity throughout the world, there were researches conducted to understand its impact and reliability. However, walking is always a great medicine and here it does the same. The more your step count the more you get healthier. The target for an overall healthy and active lifestyle is regular movement, not the step count. Whether it is 5,000 or 8,000 or 10,000. 10,000 steps would be great to achieve in order to not only maintain your lifestyle but also make it better.
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Speaking of 10,000 steps a day, one must wonder if there might be many health benefits to this. Yes, there are.
If you are indoors most of your day, walking is a great way to get the natural air and benefits of outdoor movement. But it is understandable that not everyone can manage to do so and complete their 10k steps. So here are some tips that could help:
While there is no replacement for the benefits of outdoor walking, you can still achieve 10k steps by staying indoors. Walking pads, treadmill, stairs, dance routine and guided walking videos are all the tools you need to achieve your 10k steps goal. But remember that only walking would not get you instantly healthy. Pair it up with the right food like homecooked meals and protein-rich foods like oats protein, reduce sugar and caffeine and see the change for yourself. Make sure you enjoy the process. Keep walking Ziddis!