Recent research has shed light on the precise number of steps individuals should aim for daily to mitigate the risk of heart disease and premature death. Contrary to the widely promoted goal of achieving 10,000 steps per day, a study suggests that the threshold for health benefits lies above 2,200 steps.

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and led by researchers at the University of Sydney, the study analyzed data from 72,174 participants aged approximately 61, gathered from the UK Biobank. After wearing accelerometer devices for seven days, participants' exercise levels were monitored over a seven-year period.

The findings revealed a clear correlation between daily step count and health outcomes. Participants who walked between 9,000 and 10,500 steps per day experienced the lowest risk of early mortality. Similarly, individuals managing around 9,700 steps daily demonstrated the lowest risks of stroke and heart attack.

Interestingly, the benefits of walking extended beyond mere step count, with individuals experiencing health benefits even if the majority of their day was spent being inactive. However, the study emphasized that the advantages of walking increased proportionally with the number of steps taken.

Moreover, a separate study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry highlighted the significance of even minimal levels of exercise in reducing the risk of stroke. Researchers from Imperial College London NHS Healthcare Trust underscored the importance of encouraging physical activity at all levels.

Julie Ward, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, emphasized the importance of staying active for heart and circulatory health. She recommended incorporating 150 minutes of moderate exercise into one's weekly routine, advocating for various forms of physical activity tailored to individual lifestyles.

In light of these findings, the notion of achieving 10,000 steps daily as a universal benchmark for optimal health is being reconsidered. Instead, individuals are encouraged to prioritize consistent physical activity, recognizing that even incremental increases in daily step count can yield significant health benefits.

As researchers continue to explore the relationship between exercise and health outcomes, the message remains clear: every step counts towards a healthier future.