Most people walk significantly fewer steps per day than commonly believed.

Have you ever stopped to think about how many steps you take in a day? It's a common question that has been ingrained in our minds as a fitness goal: reach 10,000 steps a day for a healthier lifestyle. However, it seems that in today's world, we are falling quite short of that goal. In fact, a recent study has found that the average Brit only manages 5,951 steps a day, which is just over half of the recommended number.

But it's not just the UK that is struggling to hit that magic number. The global average step count, according to a research by PureGym, is actually just 5,833 steps. This study analyzed step tracker data from around the world and revealed that the 10k benchmark may not be achievable in today's world of hybrid working and busier lifestyles. Surprisingly, no country managed to hit that much talked-about figure.

At the top of the global list are the Danish, with an average daily step count of 6,633 steps. And closer to home, the residents of Sheffield walk more than anywhere else in the UK, with an average of 7,209 steps a day. One possible reason for this could be the city's close proximity to scenic green spaces like the Peak District, which encourages locals to be more active.

Interestingly, Londoners log an average of 6,032 steps a day, putting the capital in fifth place and slightly above both the UK and global averages. It seems that despite the extensive Underground network, the need to walk between stations, workplaces, and other spots keeps Londoners moving more than expected.

But is it really a problem if you're not hitting 10,000 steps a day? According to personal trainers at PureGym, Claire Phippen and Leah Bygraves-Paul, while the 10,000-step goal has become a popular trend, it's important to recognize that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. As Leah says, "Although a high step count is a good indication of a nation's overall level of fitness, it's not the only metric to consider when it comes to physical activity." She adds that while Brits may not walk as much as other countries, we still enjoy other forms of exercise, like going to the gym, swimming, running, or playing sports.

Both Claire and Leah caution against an unhealthy obsession with numbers and metrics like step counts and fitness trackers. They remind us that these tools are great for monitoring progress and encouraging movement, but they should not be the sole focus of our fitness journey. Consistency is key, and finding an exercise that we enjoy and can stick to in the long run is more important than hitting a certain number of steps or workout length.

So, where did the 10,000 steps goal come from? It might surprise you to learn that it was not doctors or medical professionals who came up with it, but rather, it was a marketing campaign. Before the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, a company started selling a pedometer called the Manpo-kei, which translates to "10,000 steps meter" in Japanese. It was a huge success at the time and has stuck around ever since.

While 10,000 steps is a helpful guideline to encourage more physical activity, it's essential to remember that everyone's fitness level, lifestyle, and goals are different. As Claire says, "For some, 10,000 steps might be excessive, while others might need to aim higher." Leah echoes this sentiment, reminding us that consistency is the key to maintaining or improving our overall health. Whether it's through walking or other forms of exercise, the focus should be on being persistent and consistent in reaching our goals. After all, as Leah says, "Consistency is about being persistent in reaching our goals, no matter what obstacles come our way."

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