How many steps do you really need to do in a day?

Fitness trackers have become pretty darn popular in recent years, with many people working hard to get their steps up. Usually the aim is around the 10K mark, but is this really a magic number? We spoke to Aquanation Health Club Coordinator, Scott Ryding, to get the verdict.

Keeping accountable 

For Ryding, aiming to hit your steps each day, whatever the number, is all about accountability.

“This number is about accountability and goal setting, whether it’s 10000, 20000, 50000 steps it’s a number to keep you accountable to making sure you move,” says the Health Club Coordinator. He adds, “it’s about habitual habit, without a target you’re not going to create a habit.”

And there are certainly benefits to aiming for that particular goal. “If you increase your activity because you’re sedentary and you’re gaining body fat because you’re not burning enough calories by all means get up and go for a walk and get your steps up,” Ryding insists.

The Health Club Coordinator is adamant, however, that as with any other exercise routine fuelling according to your goal is key. Ryding says that if you don’t hit your target every day that’s fine, but keeping your nutritional goals in check too will help keep you on track overall. “If your nutrition is perfect Monday to Friday and on the weekends you might have a little more calories on the weekend (not a blowout) that’s fine because your nutrition will balance out across the week,” says Ryding. So essentially, by having a sustainable goal for both your nutrition and your steps, you’re more likely to achieve your health and fitness goals int eh long term.

Alternative low impact cardio 

If counting steps aren’t your thing but you’re looking for a low impact workout option, Ryding has some suggestions. “If you’re just wanting movement, traditional cardio in the gym is fine, or alternatively use skill mills up in the mezzanine which remove impact because the curve takes the impact out of your feet, but they provide more resistance,” Ryding recommends.

And for those wanting a little more of a challenge, Aquanation also has step mills. With these machines, Ryding explains “you can have a consistent, slower workout that isn’t as strenuous as some walks and you can do larger steps and use more muscles - just choose which variation is appropriate for your goal.”

If you’re struggling to hit your target 

Some days you might be able to hit your step target, or maybe you’re just not feelin’ it. Ryding’s number one piece of advice is “don’t get disheartened.”

For alternatives, the Health Club instructor recommends trying a cardio focussed group fitness class or “higher intensity exercise in the gym that’s more efficient and might even be the equivalent to the steps you were aiming to do throughout the day.”

Ryding also recommends you reassess how you might be able to get enough activity so that it doesn’t have to be 10000 steps every single day and to remember “steps is just a target for accountability.”

For those who have an accountability issue with exercise, Ryding says recruiting a buddy is a great idea. “If you’ve got an accountability issue, set your goal with someone who will do it with you.”

Challenge accepted!