Latest news with #Manpo-kei
Vogue
5 days ago
- General
- Vogue
Is 10,000 Steps a Day a Myth? Here's What Experts Say
Walking 10,000 steps a day is a wellness essential, right? Whether from the messaging on social media or the advertising of fitness brands, most of us have wholeheartedly come to believe that walking a minimum of 10,000 steps a day is a science-backed wellness requirement. In an effort to add more activity to my daily routine, I have been following the 10,000 steps 'rule' for months. It's definitely helped shift my otherwise sedentary lifestyle, the kind that those of us who spend our days sitting at a computer also unwittingly follow. The body needs to move—and walking has become my own little act of self-care. But should we really set our sights on the figure of 10,000 steps? To find out the benefits—and potential pitfalls—I spoke to health experts. Do you have to walk 10,000 steps a day? 'It has no scientific basis,' says Jesús Serrano, a physiotherapist at the Improve Clinic in Madrid. 'This belief comes from the launch of a Japanese pedometer many years ago.' He's referring to a 1965 advertising campaign for a device called the Manpo-kei—which is Japanese for '10,000 step meter'—that 'encouraged people to lead an active life and, at least, to take 10,000 steps a day,' says Serrano. Evidently, it was quite the sticky advertising campaign; the message has stuck around even to the present day. But is the number correct? Apparently, no: 'It is far below what we should be moving,' says Serrano. 'Walking 10,000 steps a day should be the minimum baseline for everyone. We encourage meeting that figure and, in addition, doing a workout.' The importance of walking—and not becoming obsessed with it Regardless of whether the myth has scientific basis to fall back on, it does act as a kind of challenge for anyone who aims to move more in their day-to-day lives. 'Human beings are made for movement,' says Serrano. 'We live in a time in which everything is very comfortable and is just a click away, but in the end we get rusty and grow old because of our sedentary lifestyle.' After spending eight hours anchored to a chair, it is not surprising that the body might crave some movement anyway. 'This figure of 10,000 steps is an invitation for people to have a minimum activity,' explains Serrano. 'But each person is different and we must adapt to the lifestyle we have to lead in order to be healthy.'
Time Business News
30-04-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
How Many Steps Should I Take Per Day?
You should take around 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day. Age, gender, health, and fitness goals determine the average number of steps a person walks per day. It is recommended for adult men to take 10,000 steps per day to lose weight, which is equivalent to 5 miles of walking. For adult women, hitting the 7,000 to 10,000 steps mark per day is considered healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages walking at least 150 minutes per week. Children and adolescents between 6 to 17 years old should walk at least 11,000 to 12,000 steps. For adults 60 and over, hitting 7,000 steps per day should be enough to see health benefits of walking. If you want to lose weight fast, you should aim for 10,000 steps a day. In addition to weight loss, walking five miles a day helps counter certain medical conditions like cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. Maintaining this walking routine may not be feasible for everyone, due to a range of factors. However, some studies suggest that a daily target of between 6,000 and 8,000 steps may still offer significant health benefits and could serve as a more realistic minimum goal You may have noticed that many wearables and smartphones set a default goal of 10,000 steps per day. Like most things, this target has an origin. It dates back to a Japanese company called Yamasa, which developed the first wearable step counter. They named the device 'Manpo-kei', meaning '10,000 steps meter'—and that's where the 10,000-steps-a-day trend began. Although the 10,000-step target began as an arbitrary figure, several studies now suggest that a lower threshold—around 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day—may still provide meaningful health benefits. As the idea of 10,000 steps gained popularity and proved to be an achievable target for many, it has become a motivating factor for incorporating walking into daily fitness routines. The exact number of steps you should walk a day depends on your age, gender, diet, current activity level and other factors. One study suggests that 7,500 steps per day helps with significant weight loss. When it comes to weight loss every step counts since a sedentary lifestyle is the main contributor of obesity. Regular walking is one of the most effective ways to lose body weight. A study published in Journal of Exercise Nutrition and Biochemistry has shown If you walk 150 minutes per week for 3 months, you can lose 1.5% of body fat. The fat-burning process can be further accelerated by walking uphill or wearing a weighted vest.. Whatever your current walking routine, adding up to 1,000 extra steps a day could further enhance your fitness level. Although 10,000 steps a day has long been a popular goal, researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the Medical University of Lodz in Poland have found that fewer than 5,000 steps may still be enough to offer measurable health benefits. That said, aiming for 6,000 to 8,000 steps daily is ideal for supporting heart health, weight management, and overall wellbeing. The key is consistency—small increases over time can make a big difference to your long-term fitness. Walking is a safe and highly recommended form of exercise during pregnancy. Most healthy pregnant women can aim for 6,000 to 8,000 steps a day, depending on their fitness level and how they feel. However, it's important to listen to your body and adjust your routine if needed. Gentle, consistent walking can help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and boost overall energy levels throughout pregnancy. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your overall health. It can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and bones, and support healthy weight management. Even a moderate walking routine can enhance circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Beyond the physical benefits, walking also promotes better mental wellbeing. It helps reduce stress, lifts mood, and supports improved sleep quality. Taking a brisk walk outdoors can give you a mental refresh, increase energy levels, and improve focus throughout the day. Whether during pregnancy or in everyday life, consistent walking is a powerful and accessible way to stay active and support long-term health. Walking remains one of the most effective ways to improve overall health, support mental wellbeing, and maintain long-term fitness. Whether the goal is to stay active during pregnancy, manage discomfort, or simply boost daily energy levels, setting a realistic and consistent step target can deliver significant benefits. For those experiencing discomfort while walking or seeking advice on maintaining an active lifestyle, Flynn Chiro – Chiropractor Melbourne CBD provides expert chiropractic care designed to support better mobility, posture, and overall wellbeing. Professional guidance can help ensure that every step taken contributes towards a healthier, more active life. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
