10,000 Steps a Day: Realistic Tips & Powerful Benefits for Beginners

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This is a highly debated topic within the health and diet industry. Famous influences, doctors, and researchers have proven that it provides benefits.

I'm skeptical because the numbers are too high for someone like me who is busy (and works from home). So here's my take on how to achieve 10,000 steps and discuss its benefits. 

Photographed by: destiawan nur agustra


FIRST, there's no way for someone who has been sedentary (so long - like me) to achieve that in one day [Let's be real] Even I, who works out, hate walking, or running.  

So, here's a realistic plan that worked for me.

Instead of "achieving" 10,000 steps in a day, which sometimes you cannot do, due to emergencies, personal reasons, and so on. Try to achieve a weekly goal. 

10,000 x 7: 70,000 steps 

If you walk 5000 - 6000 steps on your first day, then try to walk more on the other days, it does not matter which day. 

Next, count your steps, and to do that, you'll have to buy a gadget or step-tracking tool. I've used these watches and brands:

I’m currently using an Apple Watch, but I gifted my Garmin to my sister because of its features, such as the accuracy in tracking sleep and mood, as well as additional customizations. Garmin watches are great; my friends and colleagues use them for activities like diving and sports. I used my Garmin for two years before switching to the Apple Watch.

Then, do it at your own pace or however you will be able to achieve it:

  •  I've watched some vlogs, and they walk to the nearest supermarket when buying groceries instead of ordering delivery
  •  Walking your pet 
  •  Going to the malls on the weekends - this one really helps! I walk 20,000 to 30,000 steps whenever I go to malls 
  • Every 1-3 hours of working, try to stand and walk for a minute or 2 

If you’re new to cardio or working out, consider lowering your step goal. I remind myself of this often since I’m not naturally inclined towards cardio or running. It’s important to be realistic about what I can accomplish in a day. My initial goal is to reach 5,000 steps.

Then, next week, I aim for 6,000 steps, until I can reach 8,000 to 10,000 steps. 

There are still days that I cannot do 10,000 steps, and that's fine. You are not a robot to do that goal each day and meet it despite so many obstacles in life. 

For additional context, What Makes Hitting 10,000 Steps Beneficial,  Even Weekly:

  • Strengthens your heart naturally – Walking regularly helps your heart work more efficiently and can support better blood pressure over time.

  • Helps manage weight – It’s a low-stress way to burn calories without needing intense gym sessions.

  • Can improve blood sugar sensitivity – Especially helpful for those dealing with hormonal imbalances or PCOS.

  • Lifts your mood – Movement increases circulation and can help with mental clarity and emotional balance, even after just a few minutes.

  • Relieves stiffness – Stepping away from long hours of sitting helps ease tension in your muscles and joints.

  • Supports deeper sleep – Being more active during the day can help signal your body to rest more easily at night.

  • Gives your brain a reset – Taking short walking breaks can recharge your focus, especially during mentally demanding tasks.

  • Creates momentum – Building a walking habit, even in small amounts, makes it easier to stay consistent with other health goals.


So yeah,10,000 steps a day sounds great, but it’s not always realistic (especially if you're juggling work, life, or just don't feel like walking). And honestly? That’s okay.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

Start with what you can. Track it if you want to. And celebrate the small wins, even if it’s just walking to the kitchen instead of ordering delivery again 😂

Whether you hit 3,000 or 30,000 steps, what matters is you're moving more than you used to. That already counts.





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