MARKETING AND STEP COUNTS//
Do you know why shaving legs is common now? It was introduced through advertising campaigns from the 1920s to the 1950s. Marketing defined beauty as being smooth and hair free.

Do you know why 10,000 steps is commonly used as a daily activity goal? It was introduced by a Japanese company to help sell step counters around 1964. Marketing defined 10,000 steps as the ultimate goal.

So, is 10,000 steps a good goal? Yes and no. Your step goal is as individual as you are.

Australia’s exercise guidelines recommend approximately 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week (to achieve 150 minutes per week). 30 minutes corresponds to about 3,000 to 4,000 steps at a moderate pace.

Your step count target should be based on your individual activity levels and requirements

As a guide, the average adult does about 7,400 steps per day, so an additional 3,00-4,000 steps of dedicated walking achieves the goal of 10,000 steps as well as meeting the recommended exercise guidelines.

Children, those with an injury or older adults do not have to meet the goal of 10,000 steps. Children should do more than 10,000 steps per day, whereas an elderly person doesn’t need to do as many steps as a 30 year old.

Overall, more steps equals increased health benefits. Studies have shown that every increase of 1,000 steps per day:
* reduces the occurrence of metabolic syndrome by 10% (metabolic syndrome is a range of conditions that increase your risk of diabetes, health disease and strong)
* reduces the risk of dying prematurely of any cause by 6%.
Also, those taking 10,000 or more steps have a 46% lower risk of early death.

Do you track your daily step count?