Walking 10,000 steps daily has become a well-known benchmark for improving fitness and overall health. While not everyone needs to reach exactly 10,000 steps, studies indicate that consistent walking offers numerous benefits for both body and mind. But how many calories does this activity burn? Let’s break it down.
Health Benefits of Walking Regularly
Walking consistently, especially targeting 10,000 steps a day, delivers multiple health advantages:
- Enhances cardiovascular and lung health
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Helps manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint stiffness, and diabetes symptoms
- Strengthens bones and improves balance
- Increases muscle strength and stamina
- Lowers body fat
How Many Calories Were Burned by Walking 10,000 Steps?
In addition to promoting heart and lung health, many people aim for 10,000 steps a day to burn calories and support weight loss.
The number of calories burned by walking 10,000 steps daily depends on several factors, such as body weight, walking speed and the terrain conditions.
Heavier individuals burn more calories as their body expends more energy during movement. To increase the amount of calories burned, faster walking leads to higher calorie burn. Walking uphill or on uneven surfaces burns more calories compared to flat terrain.
To burn more calories, try increasing your walking speed or choosing routes with inclines. Experts often recommend burning 200–300 calories per day for weight loss, and walking 10,000 steps daily can help you reach this goal.
Tips for Achieving Target of 10,000 Steps a Day
Reaching 10,000 steps might seem daunting at first, but these strategies can make it easier and enjoyable:
- Use a pedometer app or smartwatch to monitor your progress throughout the day.
- If you go to a nearby place, opt to walk for instead of using a car.
- Dedicate specific times for walking in the morning or evening to increase your step count.
- Choose stairs over elevators or escalators to add steps and intensity.
- Listen to your favorite music or podcasts to make walking more enjoyable.
- Walking with your friends or family can make the experience fun and competitive.
- Make walking part of your daily routine.
- Explore new routes, vary your walking paths to keep things interesting.
- If 10,000 steps feels overwhelming, begin with 5,000 and gradually increase your goal.
- Realistic goals will keep you motivated to maintain your walking habit.
By following these tips, you’ll not only meet your daily step target but also burn more calories. For those looking to maximize results, combine walking with other exercises like jogging, cycling, or strength training.
If you have additional questions about walking or calorie burning, consult a doctor or take advantage of the Ai Care health consultation service. Download the app now from the App Store or Play Store for personalized advice.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina
Wendy Bumgardner (2024). Should You Walk 10,000 Steps Per Day for Weight Loss?. Available from: https://www.verywellfit.com/10000-steps-per-day-fitness-weight-loss-3435744
Harvard Medical School (2023). 5 surprising benefits of walking. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking
Better Health Channel. Walking for good health. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/walking-for-good-health
Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT (2024). How Many Calories Do I Burn in a Day?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/how-many-calories-do-i-burn-a-day
Malia Frey, MA, ACE-CH, CPT (2023). How Many Calories Do You Burn Every Day?. Available from: https://www.verywellfit.com/how-many-calories-do-i-burn-every-day-3495464
Mayo Clinic (2020). 10,000 steps a day: Too low? Too high?. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/10000-steps/art-20317391
Rachel MacPherson, BA, CPT (2024). What Happens to Your Body When You Walk 10,000 Steps Per Day. Available from: https://www.verywellfit.com/walking-10000-steps-per-day-7561331