It hasn’t been scientifically proven as beneficial, but that hasn’t stopped many from trying for the goal of 10,000 steps a day, which is touted as a way to stay in shape. However, a new study finds 15,000 steps might be better.
Kim Hemmig is a physical therapist with Parkland Hospital System.
Interview Highlights:
Why increase the goal from 10,000 steps daily to 15,000: “Our jobs nowadays compared to back even just 20 years ago are more sedentary. We’re not moving as much. So I think they’re trying to get people to move more and sit less.”
Is 15,000 steps a day realistic? "I don’t it's realistic to get there unless you’re training for a marathon. Just your average person who works, you’re not going to get that because most of your day you’re sitting down at a desk or not moving around as much.”
Kim's suggestions for getting in more steps:
- They say to work out 25 to 30 minutes a day. That can be just walking – early morning, evening or your lunchtime.
- Don’t sit down all day long. Get up and take a walk around the office. If you’re able to, go up and down the stairs a couple of times.
- Park farther away in the parking lot.
- Get up a little bit earlier in the morning and get a 20 minute walk in or if you like to jog. Jump starting that metabolism is good for you.
- Take the stairs versus the elevator.
- A lot of offices offer standing desks so you can sit and stand as you work.
- Every 30 minutes, stand up for 10 minutes and then sit back down.
- Instead of calling someone at work, you can walk over to their desk and get in a few extra steps.
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