10 Key Insights from a Year of Walking 10,000 Daily Steps

On Jan 11, 2024

Unlocking Your iPhone’s Health App: Aiming for 10,000 Steps Daily

You may just realize that your iPhone’s Health app tracks your daily steps. If you’re like most people, you’ll find yourself averaging about 7,000 steps daily. However, the challenge of hitting 10,000 steps a day might be enticing, especially if you’re in a walk-friendly city. Imagine the fulfillment of achieving an average of 10,632 steps a day – that’s just over 5 miles! It’s a feat that’s absolutely possible in 2023.

It’s important to note that 10,000 isn’t a magical number for health. You might have heard of this myth being debunked. However, an active lifestyle definitely contributes to your well-being. Even just 4,000 steps per day could reduce your ‘all-cause mortality’ risk, according to recent research.

Walking for Health: More than Just Physical Exercise

Michiko Tomioka, a certified nutritionist and longevity expert who also aims for 10,000 steps daily, believes that walking is the most effective way to exercise. Just take a walk, she advises.

For Dr. Una Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist and Harvard Medical School faculty member, achieving 10,000 steps a day is beneficial. She emphasizes the importance of movement in your body and the positive effects of being outdoors. Spending up to 10 minutes under the sun can give you 80% of your daily Vitamin D requirement, which can help improve your mood and enhance your sleep.

The Cost of Walking: Investing in the Right Footwear

Walking may seem free, but it does come with some costs. You’ll need to invest in durable, supportive shoes for those long walks. High-quality shoes may not be cheap, but you can save money by accepting hand-me-downs or asking for waterproof sneakers as birthday gifts. It’s important to prioritize comfort when choosing shoes for walking, even if it means allocating a few more dollars.

Being Creative with Your Walking Routine

Reaching 10,000 steps requires intention and creativity. Consider incorporating walk-and-talk meetings into your workday or exploring new routes during your leisure walks. Experiencing new sights and activities while walking can make the routine more enjoyable and less of a chore.

Finding Motivation to Walk: Positive Reframing

Finding motivation for your daily walks can be challenging, especially during winter. Instead of pressuring yourself, think of walking as an opportunity rather than an obligation. Walking gives you the chance to listen to podcasts, call friends, or watch your favorite shows – activities that you might not have time to prioritize otherwise.

Walking has clear benefits: better sleep, more calmness, and increased patience with family. It’s an activity that can bring joy and make it easy for you to keep moving forward.

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