CNN.com: Don’t Get Overwhelmed by 10,000 Steps
CNN.com recently interviewed Martha Gulati, MD, director of Preventive Cardiology in the Department of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, about a new study challenging the long-standing 10,000-steps-a-day guideline, finding instead that 7,000 steps offer a multitude of health benefits.
The meta-analysis, which reviewed 31 studies on step counts and health outcomes, compared participants who walked 7,000 steps daily to those who walked 2,000. The results showed that walking 7,000 steps was linked to a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, dementia, Type 2 diabetes and cancer. The study also found that the most active participants had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia.
Gulati, who wasn’t involved in the study, told CNN.com that measuring step counts with a wearable fitness tracker is valuable because it yields objective data. For example, a patient might tell their physician that they exercise for 30 minutes a day, but a smartwatch could track the exact time, step count and intensity, providing more accurate insights.
Beyond the study’s findings, Gulati touted the overall benefits of physical activity, which she said improves muscle strength, helping prevent falls and fractures. Exercise is also linked to lower blood pressure, better cholesterol, and improved blood sugar control because of more efficient glucose absorption.
Experts recommend walking for five minutes every hour as a manageable way to reach 7,000 steps. They also encourage people to engage in activities they enjoy—such as dancing, hiking or gardening—to help increase their daily step count.
Gulati told CNN.com that overall, most Americans can benefit from moving more.
Read the complete article from CNN.com.