10,000 Steps a Day Keeps the Grim Reaper Away?
Are you glued to your chair most of the day? Maybe you have a favorite recliner that’s just so comfortable, you find yourself lounging in it for hours?
Well, a new study suggests it’s time lace up those sneakers and get moving!
Researchers say it could be your ticket to dodging an early grave—especially if you’re parked on your keister for hours on end.
And getting started only takes a simple step.
Scientists at the University of Sydney strapped step-tracking watches on over 72,000 older folks and followed them for nearly 7 years. They discovered the more steps taken, the lower their odds of kicking the bucket.
In fact, each hop, skip, and jump closer to that 10,000-step mark slashed death risk by an impressive 39% and cut chances of heart problems by over 20%. And that was regardless of how much chair-sitting the participants did when not in motion.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to transform into a marathon runner overnight. Researchers say you can score half of the life-extending perks by hitting just 4,000-4,500 steps per day.
Of course, these findings don’t give you free rein to be a couch potato the rest of the time. Excess sedentary behavior is still an independent health hazard. But it does prove that all movement matters.
Need help hitting that 10,000-step sweet spot? Try these easy tips:
- Park in the back of the lot and hoof it a little further to your destination
- Take stairs instead of elevators whenever possible – your knees will thank you!
- Suggest a post-meal neighborhood stroll instead of plopping down in front of the TV
- Pace while chatting on the phone or listening to your favorite podcast
- Opt for the “scenic route” when walking your furry friend
- Knock out two birds with one stone by catching up with a friend or family member over a walk instead of coffee (or enjoy your coffee while on a walk)
Remember, you don’t have to conquer those 10,000 steps all at once. Even small bursts of activity sprinkled throughout the day add up.
So challenge yourself to tap that step-counter a little more each week. How do you plan to step up your game?
To taking the first step,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Is your RECLINER killing you slowly? Find out here.
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