Walking is an inexpensive form of exercise that can be done by many people of all abilities and ages. What about the 10,000 steps a day that many fitness apps recommend?
Dr. Francisco López Jiménez, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, says because everyone is different, there’s no magic number of daily steps people should strive for. The most important thing, he says, is that people are moving.
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“Walking is probably one of the simplest, most affordable, and most effective types of physical activity that humans can do,” says Dr. López Jimenez.
How many steps should I walk every day? It depends.
“For a 25- to 30-year-old, walking 6,000 steps a day is probably too little, but for an 85-year-old, walking 5,000 steps is actually very good,” he says.
And make walking a daily routine. Please take the stairs, walk your dog, or park away from the store entrance.
“You should walk every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time, even 15 or 20 minutes,” says Dr. López Jimenez.
Step away from your desk and take a walk. It’s good for your head and heart.
“Walking has many beneficial effects on our health, not only cardiovascular, but also mental health,” he says.
Tips to increase the number of steps per day
- Take your dog for a walk or find a walking buddy.
- I’m heading to the shopping mall.
- Please include your family.
- Walk while you wait.
- Schedule a weekday walk.
- Please park further away.
- Please use the stairs.
- Set personal goals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get 150 minutes of physical activity each week. People of different ages and abilities have different goals.
