What's the magic number of steps to keep weight off? Here's what a new study says

[Bernardo de La Paz]

5. The steps include ALL steps, but stringing steps together is best

Includes going up or down stairs at home.

Includes parking further out for ding avoidance and walking more steps to the supermarket door.

Don't over-optimize step avoidance, like circling city streets for ten minutes to find parking to save five minutes walking (been there done that). Don't dither about "should I take that upstairs now or is there something else here I can take up at the same time?" (been there ...).

Don't over-optimize efficiency. "Should I rake the leaves or wait two days for more to accumulate?" -- maybe do them now and two days from now.


However, larger numbers of steps as part of an extended activity gives enhanced cardiovascular benefits by elevating circulation and heart rate a little bit for twenty minutes or more.