Does 10,000 daily steps actually make you healthier?

CINCINNATI (WKRC) — A new study published in the medical journal Lancet suggested that taking about 7,000 steps a day can significantly improve health, reducing the risk of death from all causes by nearly 50% compared to those who take only 2,000 steps daily.

The research also indicated a 38% reduction in the risk of memory problems and a 25% decrease in the risk of heart disease.

“I’m either here for two hours or I’m walking for two hours,” said Mark Apseloff, who exercises daily.

Karen Sims, the Medical Exercise Program Director at Ohio’s TriHealth Fitness and Health Pavilion, emphasized the importance of movement.

“Everybody can improve their health somewhat by moving,” Sims said.

Sims noted that while the 10,000-step goal likely originated from a pedometer marketing campaign, even smaller amounts of steps can add up to significant health benefits.

“Our bodies are supposed to move, so the more we move them, the better we feel,” Sims said.

She explained that taking about 4,000 steps a day can increase energy levels.

“The more energy we use, the more energy our body makes; it’s kind of like if you use it, it makes more; if you don’t use it, it just sits there,” said Sims.

Counting steps not only tracks activity duration but also ensures muscle engagement, which produces “exerkines” linked to fewer chronic conditions.