I always think this study is pretty cool, anytime I refer back to it. The researchers of the study followed a group of individuals over the course of 10 years and linked their step count to all cause mortality. 

It shows that those US adults who on average were clocking roughly 10K steps per day had a much lower risk of all cause mortality, compared to those averaging between 2000-5000/day. They found this trend significant for total number of steps independent of step intensity. 

Now obviously with this type of observational research we need to be careful of the confounders (the things that can influence this outcome). It's why a big part of being evidence-based includes critical thinking. You may see something like this on the news with the headline, walk more and you're less likely to die. Thats not completely true is it. 

It is very likely that those clocking more daily steps are more health seeking in general. They probably have slightly better diets, may exercise more (independent of steps) and they may be better off financially or even have a lower BMI. Things that can significantly influence mortality rates, and many of these weren't measured in the study. 

So where does this leave us? I just think it's a good example of how a healthy habit, one that is so easy to implement may be the start many people need to begin to hold themselves accountable. If you start by doing the smaller things right, you can start incorporating other healthy habits in to augment the first, until you become more health seeking and ultimately healthy. 

So my tips, buy yourself a Fitbit (other brands are available) or pedometer that will tell you what your clocking per day. Don't focus on the 10K mark too much, i.e. don't be that guy that starts pacing round the living at 11pm because your on 9,000 but use it to see if you've had a relatively inactive day and if you have see if you can squeeze in a quick 30 with the dog or put in a podcast. 

Let me know how you get on, I'd love to hear from you. 

Best,

James