How many steps a day?: According to... - Weight Loss Support

Weight Loss Support

115,083 members61,310 posts

How many steps a day?

JayneHarrison profile image
8 Replies

According to yesterday's Times we should now be doing at least 12,000 steps a day: 12,000 steps = 5 miles = 90 minutes. It also said that 25 minutes of exercise a day could add 7 years to your life expectancy.

I am trying to move more but it will take me quite a while to build up to 90 minutes all at once!

What do all you walkers do?

Written by
JayneHarrison profile image
JayneHarrison
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
8 Replies
MW50 profile image
MW50

I do a 1.5hr 5 mile walk every morning but am not very active for the rest of the day, so although I get my steps in I often fail on the other recommendation that you should move around at least every half hour as prolonged periods of inactivity are harmful to health.

IndigoBlue61 profile image
IndigoBlue61

I'd like to see the research on this!! Where do they get these figures from? Is that for everyone? 😕

I do 30 minutes 'exercise' every day, manage to walk about 3000 steps during this time. This is what we have always been told is the magic amount, good for health and well being.

I then try to move and stretch every hour or so throughout the day. 😊

At the moment I am recuperating from surgery, but even at my best I don't do more than 6-7 thousand 😊 I swim and cycle as well, but with chronic joint pain anymore just sets me back.

JayneHarrison profile image
JayneHarrison in reply toIndigoBlue61

It sounds to me like you are doing quite a lot besides walking so that must be good for you even if you don't get in the 12000 steps.

JayneHarrison profile image
JayneHarrison in reply toIndigoBlue61

One 12 year study from Finland that says people aged between 65 and 74 who walked for 4 hours a week cut their risk of dying from a heart condition by 54% and one 6 year American study of 33,060 runners that suggest that walking is more beneficial than running. The 12,000 steps is from a joint study from US, Canada, Sweden and France. Maybe the research is funded by trainer manufacturers!

IndigoBlue61 profile image
IndigoBlue61 in reply toJayneHarrison

Haha 😊 Maybe! If I can do 3000 steps in 30 minutes, 12000 must equate to 2 hours? I think it's great if you are young and fit, but ambitious for many 😕

JayneHarrison profile image
JayneHarrison in reply toIndigoBlue61

Well, I'm old and decrepit so I've no chance!

IndigoBlue61 profile image
IndigoBlue61 in reply toJayneHarrison

I started doing 2x10 minutes a day, plus a few stretches 😊

Remember, no matter how slow you are you will still lap the person sitting on the sofa 😊

Finnberry profile image
Finnberry

I do walk a little but I can't walk much. We aim to swim 3 times per week and go for a 'walk' at least 4 times a week. In reality, this means that my hubby walks pretty fast and I self-propel. It's actually really hard work propelling yourself in a wheelchair though, so I think I get more exercise than he does. Speaking of which, the river is calling to us...

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

How do people manage 10,000 steps a day?

Since getting a fit bit, I have only managed to hit 10,000 steps twice - once on a 4 mile walk and...
Cooper27 profile image

Why 10,000 steps a day?

A researcher is questioning why we all aim for 10,000 steps a day. I thought it might be...
Cooper27 profile image

Steps on pedometer

Hi all after buying a pedometer yesterday (following CurlyBayeaf's post on pedometers) I wore it...
muffintop67 profile image

10,000 steps

I went for a meal out tonight,tapas. I managed to park the car about 30 minutes walk away .Had a...
gman1961 profile image
Restart April 2024

steps

some people say you must walk 10,000 steps to achieve your weight goals! Other people say no,...

Moderation team

See all
TeamAdmin profile image
TeamAdminAdministrator
BridgeGirl profile image
BridgeGirlAdministrator
TheTabbyCat profile image
TheTabbyCatAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.