\u201cThe number wasn\u2019t based on science. It was chosen because it sounded motivating, simple, and catchy.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Sixty years after the pedometer’s introduction, data now reveals that the health benefits of walking begin at a significantly lower step count.<\/p>\n
According to a wide-ranging review <\/a>published in 2024, achieving 3,000 steps a day reduces your risk of death from disease and illness. And hitting just 5,000 steps can reduce your risk of depression, according to another 2024 review.<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n Higher step counts do come with greater health benefits, but as Thomas explains, trying to hit 10,000 steps isn\u2019t the right goal for everyone.<\/p>\n \u201cWalking 5,000 to 8,000 steps a day is enough to reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, improve your sleep quality, increase mindfulness, and even improve creativity,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to increase your step count to that 5,000 to 8,000 mark and need some motivation, here are her top tips.<\/p>\n Tips for increasing your step count<\/p>\n Pair up: \u201cGrab your partner or friend to motivate each other and make it fun,\u201d Thomas says. You might end up walking for longer if you’re having fun.<\/p>\n Take on a challenge: Committing to a challenge can boost your motivation to move. \u201cLook [for a challenge] on Strava, at work or online,\u201d suggests Thomas. Find a plan that works for you and, if you\u2019re starting from a base of zero steps, look for a program that helps you gradually increase step count.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Hv72AmT9KWV9cuWPTWAyYm.jpg\")
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