Everyone has heard of the “10,000 steps a day” rule. But is this rule based on science?
Where does the 10,000-step figure come from?
From a Japanese marketing campaign in 1965 (the “万歩計” pedometer). No scientific studies behind it—just the symbolism of the number 10,000.
What the research says (European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023)
- 4,000 steps/day: 18% reduction in mortality
- 8,000 steps/day: 34% reduction
- 12,000 steps/day: 45% reduction
💡 WSWA: 3.2 km corresponds to ~4,500–4,800 steps depending on your body type. You exceed the 4,000-step threshold on your very first day of the streak.
Why does WSWA use kilometers instead of steps?
- Distance is universal and independent of height.
- It can be objectively measured by GPS.
- It aligns with the running streak tradition (minimum 2 miles).