10,000 Steps a Day: Too Much or Not Enough?

It's a common goal, but is it the right one?

New research is shedding light on the optimal number of steps for people of all ages.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend doing at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, but many people find it difficult to fit that much activity into their schedules. As a result, many people have turned to step counting as a way to track their physical activity and stay motivated.

But how many steps should you aim for each day? The answer may surprise you. According to a new study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, taking 10,000 steps per day may not be enough to improve your health.

The study found that people who took at least 3,900 steps per day had a significantly lower risk of dying from any cause during the study period. However, there was no additional benefit to taking more than 3,900 steps per day.

So, what does this mean for you? If you're not currently taking 3,900 steps per day, aim to increase your activity level gradually until you reach that goal. Once you're there, you can maintain your health benefits by continuing to take at least 3,900 steps per day.