In a recent episode of HuffPost’s “Am I Doing It Wrong?” podcast, hosts Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson discussed the topic of step count with Heather Milton, an exercise physiologist at NYU Langone Health in New York. The commonly accepted goal of reaching 10,000 steps per day was originally based on a pedometer design in Japan in the 1960s, and has since become a widely recognized benchmark for daily physical activity. While this number was not originally based on scientific research, recent studies have shown that achieving 10,000 steps per day is equivalent to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity recommended by health organizations.
Milton emphasized that not all steps are created equal, and it’s important to maintain a brisk pace during walks to ensure the intensity is sufficient to provide health benefits. She mentioned the “talk test” as a way to gauge if the walking pace is moderate enough to improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, research has shown that different step counts can have varying effects on mortality rates, with higher step counts correlating to lower mortality risk. Milton suggested focusing on another number – 30 minutes of moderate activity per day – as a more comprehensive measure of fitness, along with breaking up sedentary time every 30 minutes to reduce health risks associated with inactivity.
To implement daily physical activity goals, Milton recommended using step count as a simple tool to track overall activity levels. By setting incremental goals to increase step count gradually over time, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being. Breaking up sitting time throughout the day, such as incorporating walking into work activities or using a standing desk, can also help reduce sedentary behavior and improve metabolic health. By incorporating consistent physical activity into daily routines, individuals can mitigate the risk of various health issues linked to inactivity.
In addition to discussing step count and its implications for health, the podcast episode touched on topics such as warming up, spot training, and various other fitness-related tips and tricks. Listeners can expect to learn valuable insights on subjects like tipping, online shopping, dental care, and dealing with anxiety, among others. Subscribing to “Am I Doing It Wrong?” ensures access to a wide range of episodes covering diverse topics that aim to provide practical advice and solutions for common everyday challenges. Listeners can also reach out with their own questions or topics of interest for potential investigation in future episodes.
