Is it true that … you need to take 10,000 steps a day to be healthy?
The 10,000 steps daily guideline originated from a 1960s marketing campaign, not scientific research, according to Jack McNamara, a senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology. While walking benefits health, improvements diminish beyond 4,000 steps. McNamara advises switching to higher-intensity exercises for greater health gains, emphasizing enjoyment in physical activity over strict step counts.