Chapter 15Fitness & Exercise

How many steps a day should I walk?

Meaningful health benefits start around 4,000 and plateau around 8,000–10,000 for most people. 7,000+ is a reasonable target; more is better for cardiovascular disease, worse for injury.

Follow-up questions

Is 10,000 magic?

No — a Japanese pedometer marketing number from the 1960s. Not from research.

Speed matters?

Yes — brisk pace (100+ steps/min) adds cardiovascular benefit beyond step count.

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