Taking 10,000 steps daily is equivalent to walking 5 miles. Expect in the case where a person has a very active profession or lifestyle, this figure is rarely achieved on its own. Generally, to walk 5 miles a day, a person would need to put in some effort in their activity. This would imply consciously going for a lifestyle change by including more walking efforts such as taking the stairs or walking short distances instead of using public transport. A person might also opt to carry out the 5 mile walk as part of an exercise routine.
Initially, the 10,000 steps figure was used by a Japanese group as part of a campaign to sell pedometers. The 10,000 daily steps figure, however, has gained the attention of several medical authorities who have agreed that it is indeed appropriate and can be aimed at as part of a healthy lifestyle. Organizations such as the American Heart Association also use the 10,000 steps figure as a guideline to promote health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Walking 10,000 steps a day should be enough to reduce risks for diseases and promote a longer and healthier life. The other benefits that can be reaped out of it are a reduced waist size, lowered BMI from weight loss, an increase in a person’s energy level and a lowered risk of Type II diabetes. Walking is convenient as it is one of the most basic activities a human can do and can therefore easily be integrated in a person’s lifestyle.
