Do I really need 10k steps per day?
Apr 29, 2022
Let’s talk the all-important ‘step goals’. Do you actually need to hit 10k steps every single day?
Short answer, no.
Ten thousand steps isn’t some magical number. If you only get 8,574 you won’t fail, nobody’s coming for you, you won’t automatically gain weight.
However, the more steps you get, the better!
You see, it’s more so about the movement than the steps.
Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis aka NEAT is a major dial-mover when it comes to effective and efficient weight loss.
Studies have shown that individuals who get high levels of NEAT have far better chances of hitting their health goals than those who have a more sedentary lifestyle.
Benefits of getting more movement aka more NEAT include:
- Increased lung function
- Improved blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
- Increased energy levels
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Improved digestion
- Reduced stress
- Improved balance, endurance, and mood
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Improved management of blood pressure and cholesterol
All of this contributes to improved weight loss and overall better health.
It’s the movement, not the steps.
So while wearing a step tracker can definitely encourage you to be more active, it’s not the 10k steps that should be the goal. It should be an overall increase in movement.
Personally, I average about 9,500 steps a day. And if I happen to have a ‘low step’ day, I don’t sweat it. I just remind myself to move more the next day.
Here are 6 ways you can get more movement in your day:
- Commit to starting and/or ending your day with a walk
- Pace while on a phone call
- Park further away from the store, gym, office, etc.
- Choose the stairs whenever you can.
- Host a one-person dance party.
- Clean the house.
Exercise is great and we recommend that all of our G-Transformation Academy clients choose an intentional exercise program that fits their lifestyle and goals. We also however encourage them to incorporate NEAT on a daily basis so they can take advantage of the incredible benefits of both.
Have you been getting enough movement? What questions do you have about incorporating NEAT into your weight loss plan?
