The 10,000 Steps-A-Day Challenge: History and Truth of the Exercise Routine

For years, and still to this day, people have praised reaching 10,000 steps in a day for fitness purposes. Experts have said reaching this goal will likely improve your health. Yet there are truths and history behind the recommendation that many are unaware of. 

The origin of 10,000 steps dates back to the 1960s when Japan began selling pedometers called "manpo-kei", otherwise known as "10,000 steps meter." The marketing of the product caught the attention of many Japanese and it gained popularity throughout the country.

The idea made its way to the United States and has been a popular due to the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Physical activity promotes nearly all aspects of health and is key to maintaining a fit body. In 2001, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher issued a report to the public entitled "The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity." The report focused on the health risks of being overweight and obese and urged Americans to take action to improve their well-being.

Shape Up America! is a program that was founded in 1994 by Dr. C Everett Koop (a former U.S. Surgeon General) and its goal was to (and still is to) promote a healthy lifestyle by providing such information for the American people to do so. This program introduced the 10,000 steps a day recommendation for proper weight and exercise management. The Surgeon General recommends 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity/exercise on top of daily activities.

Studies and physicians have advocated the program as well, citing that 10,000 steps a day can reduce blood pressure and improve glucose levels in different people if consistently practiced. However, 10,000 steps may not be enough for people with certain chronic diseases, which is why the CDC does not officially recommend the routine and instead suggested 150 minutes of moderate activity per week in order to improve or maintain health.

So despite the popularity of the 10,000-step program, it might not be suitable for you. Check with your physician or visit the CDC website to learn more. You can also learn more about the history of the 10,000-step program in this Live Science article.