You treated yourself to a Fitbit. (Smart.) Still, now that you’re tracking your steps, you’re a little unsure about the optimal number for your health.
Not anymore. According to a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity, the definitive calculation is in: You should be logging 15,000 steps per day. (That’s approximately three hours of walking, FYI.)
Researchers at the University of Warwick in England actually measured the BMI, waist sizes, blood sugar levels and cholesterol profiles of post office workers in Scotland who spend the bulk of their days on foot. Compared with their colleagues with office jobs, they had much better metabolic profiles—and, more importantly, no heightened risk of heart disease.
So what are some ways to work toward logging all those steps per day? Try scheduling walking meetings versus conference room chats. Or moving around your house instead of sitting on the couch every time you chat on the phone.
Even if it doesn’t add up to 15,000, it’s a great start. (And hey, you gotta have a goal.)