How Many Steps a Day Is Considered Active?

Studies have shown that people who walk anywhere between 7,500 to 10,000 steps per day can improve blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, and help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Walking is also a great way to shed pounds. Depending on your weight, walking 7,500 to 10,000 steps a day can burn anywhere between 250 and 600 calories a day. Since one pound of body fat equals about 3,500 calories, you could lose roughly one pound per week simply by walking an extra 10,000 steps every day. 

Before starting any exercise program, it’s best to consult your doctor, especially if you have conditions such as advanced knee or hip arthritis, severe heart disease, or severe lung condition.

Activity trackers record data regarding your activity levels, helping you work toward specific goals by reminding you when you haven’t been active enough and monitoring your progress. 

Examples of activity trackers include:

• Pedometer: Worn over the waist. This portable device counts your steps by detecting the motion of the hips. It is clipped securely to a belt, pants, or a skirt just above the hip in line with the knee in a vertical position. 
• Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin: Worn around the wrist. These devices record the number of steps you take and convert them into measurable algorithms. None of these devices are 100% accurate, however, with most being off by about 10% percent.

Most pedometers provide guidelines as per the 10,000-step protocol. You can, however, tweak your routine to clock 7,500 steps daily. Pedometers classify activity as follows:

• Sedentary: Less than 5,000 steps daily
• Low active: About 5,000 to 7,499 steps daily
• Somewhat active: About 7,500 to 9,999 steps daily
• Active: More than 10,000 steps daily
• Highly active: More than 12,500 steps daily

You can increase your daily activity by 1,000 steps per day until you reach your goal (7,500 to 10,000).

Incorporating small changes to your routine can help you stay active and get you walking more each day:

• Walk your dog: If you do not have a dog, walk your friend’s dog. Or you can volunteer to walk dogs at an animal shelter.
• Go in person: Instead of sending a work email, walk to your colleague's desk.
• Family outing: Go for a walk with your partner or kids every day.
• Take the stairs: Instead of taking an elevator, take the stairs. 
• Listen to music: Listening to a tune with a bouncy beat can make walking more enjoyable and motivate you to go faster. 
• Park at a distance: Choose parking spots farther away from the entrance of wherever you’re going. If you take a bus, get off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way.