Experts Challenge 10,000 Steps Per Day as Universal Fitness Goal

Research suggests 7,000–8,000 daily steps may offer significant health benefits, with tailored targets recommended for individuals.

The widely promoted 10,000 steps per day goal originated from a 1960s Japanese pedometer marketing campaign, not scientific research.
Studies indicate that walking 7,000–8,000 steps daily is associated with reduced risks of mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Research also shows that as few as 3,867 steps per day can lead to measurable health benefits, with no upper limit for potential improvements.
Experts recommend incremental increases in daily steps, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles, rather than aiming for an arbitrary 10,000-step target.
To further fitness beyond walking, activities like strength training, rucking (walking with weights), or jogging can help improve health markers and overall fitness.