How Few Steps Can Boost Your Health? The Answer Might Surprise You! 🚶‍♀️

If you’ve been stressing about hitting 10,000 steps every day, take a breath. A new study says you can get real health benefits with way fewer steps—and yes, science backs it up.

Researchers tracked over 13,000 women aged 62 and up. They looked at how many steps these women took in a week, then followed their health for 11 years. The results? Pretty encouraging.

Here’s what they found:

• 4,000 steps a day, 1–2 times a week
• • 26% lower risk of death
• • 27% lower risk of heart disease
• 4,000+ steps, 3+ days a week
• • Up to 40% lower risk of death
• • 27% lower risk of heart disease
• 7,000+ steps a day
• • 32% lower risk of death
• • 16% lower risk of heart disease

So yes, walking more days a week helps. But even a couple days of light walking can make a difference.

Doctors say it’s about consistency, not perfection. You don’t need to power walk for miles. Just build movement into your day—take the stairs, park farther away, walk during phone calls. It all adds up.

One thing to note:

This study focused on older women, and didn’t factor in diet or other health conditions. Still, it’s a solid reminder that small habits matter.

Bottom line? You don’t need to be a marathoner. Just keep moving.

Source - Good Morning America