I have tried various tracking devices over the past number of years. None seem to track my steps very accurately. My sister and I are virtually the same size and only a year apart in age. When we walk together, at the same pace, and then check our trackers, she always has 3000 or more steps than I do. I have called support for my tracker and they have me do various walking etc and count my steps as I walk. They cannot tell me why my tracker isn’t counting all my steps. They even sent me a replacement, which is exactly the same, still only counting about 2/3 of my steps. Any suggestions?
My partner and I have different trackers and when we walk the numbers are drastically different. Granted we have slightly different gaits, but it should be somewhat close. We tested walking and counting 500 steps then looking at our watches to see how many steps were counted. So while my tracker felt like it was under counting, it was quite accurate at about a 500 steps. My partners tracker measured at 540 during the same test.
Sorry to hear it and even sorrier that I don't have any suggestions! I don't use a tracking device, but maybe someone else reading this can help explain the problem.
Thanks for the most recent study to shed light on this topic.
I'm curious where you see cardio and resistance training play in the routine. Do you think they contribute to health along with the steps? Or do ~8k steps per day suffice?
Very interesting question that I think about a lot! I’ve never seen this issue discussed in the literature, but it seems reasonable to count the steps you take running, walking at a moderate-intensity pace, or in an aerobics class in your totally daily step count. Resistance training is key to maintaining bone and muscle tissue and everyone who is able should do at least two strength training sessions weekly. This recommendation is separate from step count.
Really helpful article. The science (and the marketing) around step goals is super interesting. We recently dug into the story behind 10,000 steps too https://drmikeevans.substack.com/p/the-10000-steps-story?r=2jberw. Love reading different (evidence-based!) perspectives on the topic!
What I notice with the midlife women I work with is that a flat loop quietly hides what tends to go first, hip extension and trunk rotation, because you can log 10,000 steps without ever using either. A shorter walk with a hill, some grass, and a few direction changes asks more of the hips and balance than a bigger number on pavement ever will.
When the phone rings, I grab it and head outside to walk back and forth in the driveway or in the summer, pull weeds while I talk. I also like to take walk breaks in between tasks—just once around the block.
I average around 8,000 steps a day. Interesting, when I ride my bike for exercise my step count goes down. Makes sense, but also reinforces that everything isn’t always as clearly defined as we’d like it to be. 😊
This is where it gets tricky. Exercise and taking steps aren't always the same thing. It seems from these studies that sitting less by taking more steps is beneficial and that you don't have to work up a sweat or raise your heart rate to see an effect. Biking, or any other exercise, at a moderately-intense pace is necessary for cardiovascular health and to make and preserve muscle mass.
GREAT article! I love the idea of taking grocery bags in one at a time! I purposefully get up during the workday multiple times for movement. I keep weights near my desk (a good reminder staring at you). I will also take a short walk up the street, hop on the treadmill, or do squats. I know how important it is to NOT sit all day. Aside from that I do pick up speed on my regular walks as I know that is an important aspect of my walking exercise. I personally shoot for 10K steps a day. It helps that I absolutely LOVE walking.
You ARE the walking Queen! My laundry is in the basement. I fold the clothes on the first floor then bring them up in very small amounts instead of putting them in a laundry basket to take upstairs in one trip. Every little bit counts!
I have tried various tracking devices over the past number of years. None seem to track my steps very accurately. My sister and I are virtually the same size and only a year apart in age. When we walk together, at the same pace, and then check our trackers, she always has 3000 or more steps than I do. I have called support for my tracker and they have me do various walking etc and count my steps as I walk. They cannot tell me why my tracker isn’t counting all my steps. They even sent me a replacement, which is exactly the same, still only counting about 2/3 of my steps. Any suggestions?
My partner and I have different trackers and when we walk the numbers are drastically different. Granted we have slightly different gaits, but it should be somewhat close. We tested walking and counting 500 steps then looking at our watches to see how many steps were counted. So while my tracker felt like it was under counting, it was quite accurate at about a 500 steps. My partners tracker measured at 540 during the same test.
This happens to me on
My iPhone. It’s missing my steps.
When I walk with my husband, his watch always calculates more steps than my iPhone. iPhones are not very accurate.
Sorry to hear it and even sorrier that I don't have any suggestions! I don't use a tracking device, but maybe someone else reading this can help explain the problem.
Thanks for the most recent study to shed light on this topic.
I'm curious where you see cardio and resistance training play in the routine. Do you think they contribute to health along with the steps? Or do ~8k steps per day suffice?
Very interesting question that I think about a lot! I’ve never seen this issue discussed in the literature, but it seems reasonable to count the steps you take running, walking at a moderate-intensity pace, or in an aerobics class in your totally daily step count. Resistance training is key to maintaining bone and muscle tissue and everyone who is able should do at least two strength training sessions weekly. This recommendation is separate from step count.
This makes sense. From what I've read, bone density and muscle mass do impact the quality of our lives, especially after we cross 40.
Thanks Dr. Ward.
You're welcome, but I'm not a doctor!
Sorry about that :)
No worries!
Really helpful article. The science (and the marketing) around step goals is super interesting. We recently dug into the story behind 10,000 steps too https://drmikeevans.substack.com/p/the-10000-steps-story?r=2jberw. Love reading different (evidence-based!) perspectives on the topic!
Thank you!
What I notice with the midlife women I work with is that a flat loop quietly hides what tends to go first, hip extension and trunk rotation, because you can log 10,000 steps without ever using either. A shorter walk with a hill, some grass, and a few direction changes asks more of the hips and balance than a bigger number on pavement ever will.
It’s always good to change it up so that you’re challenging your body, right?
Exactly. Variety gives your body and nervous system new problems to solve, and that's often where the learning happens.
When the phone rings, I grab it and head outside to walk back and forth in the driveway or in the summer, pull weeds while I talk. I also like to take walk breaks in between tasks—just once around the block.
I love this! I am a fierce weeder, too!
I average around 8,000 steps a day. Interesting, when I ride my bike for exercise my step count goes down. Makes sense, but also reinforces that everything isn’t always as clearly defined as we’d like it to be. 😊
This is where it gets tricky. Exercise and taking steps aren't always the same thing. It seems from these studies that sitting less by taking more steps is beneficial and that you don't have to work up a sweat or raise your heart rate to see an effect. Biking, or any other exercise, at a moderately-intense pace is necessary for cardiovascular health and to make and preserve muscle mass.
I agree completely. Gotta see the whole picture. 👀
GREAT article! I love the idea of taking grocery bags in one at a time! I purposefully get up during the workday multiple times for movement. I keep weights near my desk (a good reminder staring at you). I will also take a short walk up the street, hop on the treadmill, or do squats. I know how important it is to NOT sit all day. Aside from that I do pick up speed on my regular walks as I know that is an important aspect of my walking exercise. I personally shoot for 10K steps a day. It helps that I absolutely LOVE walking.
You ARE the walking Queen! My laundry is in the basement. I fold the clothes on the first floor then bring them up in very small amounts instead of putting them in a laundry basket to take upstairs in one trip. Every little bit counts!
Another fabulous idea to get more steps in!!
I'll do anything!