10,000 steps a day is a myth, say experts – and this app reveals your real daily target
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The famous 10,000-step rule wasn’t born from medical science but marketing. Here’s how to find the right goal for you
Most of us have been told that walking 10,000 steps a day is the magic number for good health. But according to new research, that popular target may have more to do with marketing than medicine.
Experts from the Wellbeing Hub say the idea dates back to the 1960s, when a Japanese company launched the first commercial pedometer – called the Manpo-kei, which literally means “10,000 steps meter.” The number wasn’t based on any clinical research; it was simply chosen because it sounded good and the Japanese character for 10,000 (万) looked like a walking person.
That’s why doctors now recommend setting a target that’s personalised to your health, age, and fitness level. Studies show adults aged 40 to 60 who walk between 7,000 and 8,000 steps a day have up to a 70% lower risk of premature death compared with those who do fewer than 7,000.
While hitting 10,000 steps won’t harm you, experts say your time could be better spent focusing on a plan tailored to your specific goals – and a new app called Walkfit can help.
Developed by Welltech, Walkfit analyses your data and lifestyle to calculate your optimal daily step count. After answering a short questionnaire about your age, activity levels, and the areas you want to work on, the app builds a personalised walking and fitness plan to help you lose weight, build stamina, and feel healthier overall.
Users say the difference is remarkable – and you don’t even need to leave your house to get started.
Find out your ideal step target today with Walkfit.
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