The longstanding benchmark of achieving 10,000 steps per day for physical activity is a goal that many strive for. Originating from a pedometer created in Japan in the 1960s, this number has become a common target for daily movement.
However, exercise physiologist Heather Milton emphasizes that the focus should not solely be on the step count. Instead, she highlights the importance of engaging in moderate intensity activity. Milton suggests using the “talk test” to determine if your walk is of moderate intensity, aiming for at least 30 minutes of such activity each day.
Additionally, Milton recommends not remaining sedentary for more than 30 minutes at a time, as prolonged sitting can lead to various health issues including obesity, high blood pressure, cancer, and mental health problems. By using steps as a simple tool to track daily activity and gradually increasing step count over time, individuals can improve their overall health.
Breaking up sitting time with short bursts of activity can also be beneficial for metabolism and general health. By focusing on moderate activity and limiting sedentary behavior, individuals can take positive steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
This valuable information was shared by Heather Milton during an episode of HuffPost’s “Am I Doing It Wrong?” podcast, hosted by Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson. For more insights on this topic, listeners can access the full episode on the podcast platform or website.
“Travel aficionado. Incurable bacon specialist. Tv evangelist. Wannabe internet enthusiast. Typical creator.”