The recommended number of steps to walk daily varies by age, fitness level, and health goals, but general guidelines are as follows:
- Most adults should aim for about 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day for general health and fitness
- For adults under 60 years, 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day is associated with reduced risk of premature death
- For adults aged 60 and older, a target of 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day is sufficient to maintain health benefits
- Even fewer steps can provide health benefits: studies show that walking as few as 4,000 steps per day can reduce the risk of premature death, with benefits increasing as step counts rise
- For those new to walking or less active, gradually increasing steps by 1,000 per day from their baseline is beneficial
The key is consistency and gradually increasing activity. Walking also counts toward the recommended 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week
. Walking is low-impact, accessible, and beneficial for cardiovascular health, weight management, and mental well-being
. In summary, aiming for 8,000–10,000 steps daily is a good general goal for most adults, but significant health benefits start at lower step counts, especially around 4,000 steps, and targets can be adjusted based on age and fitness level.
