History of the 10,000 step rule

In the 1960s, professor Yoshiro Hatano invented the 10,000 step rule after he became interested in figuring out the most impactful method for preventing heart disease and obesity.

Hatano theorised that taking 10,000 steps a day, the equivalent of about five miles, would result in 20 percent of burned calories for the average person. The idea spread to the U.S. and other countries and became the recommended health standard in several organisations.

Everyone's activity needs are different depending on their fitness goals. On average, inactive people will take about 5,000 steps per day, active people between 7,500 and 10,000 steps and very active people over 12,500 steps per day.

Determine your fitness goals: