Same distance, different step count

Have you ever wondered why one person seems to hit 10,000 steps with ease while another struggles, despite both being equally active?

Let’s imagine two women walking side by side for one mile at exactly the same pace.

One is 5’3″.

The other is 5’9″.

They start together.

They finish together.

They’ve both walked for 20 minutes at a comfortable 3 mph.

Yet the shorter woman records around 2,650 steps, while the taller woman logs closer to 2,350.

Neither has worked harder. Neither has walked further. The only real difference is stride length.

It’s a simple example, but it highlights why comparing step counts isn’t always comparing like with like.

The 10,000-step target

For years we’ve been told that 10,000 steps a day is the magic number for good health. 

It’s become a benchmark that many people strive for and, unfortunately, many feel they’ve failed if they don’t reach it.

What many people don’t realise is that the 10,000-step target wasn’t originally based on scientific evidence. 

It gained popularity after a Japanese company launched a pedometer called the Manpo-kei (10,000-step meter) in the 1960’s. The number was memorable, easy to market and, over time, became accepted as the goal.

Since then, research has shown that the health benefits of walking begin well before 10,000 steps. 

Regular movement, particularly when combined with strength, balance and mobility work, is what really matters.

Why height matters

Height has a significant influence on the number of steps we take.

A shorter person naturally has a shorter stride, meaning they need more steps to cover the same distance.

A taller person covers more ground with each step, so their step count will almost always be lower.

Neither is doing more exercise than the other.

They’re simply walking differently.

Now imagine that over the course of a day.

The shorter person may reach 10,000 steps while doing exactly the same amount of walking as someone taller who only records 8,500.

Comparing those numbers doesn’t tell us who has been more active.

Steps are only one piece of the puzzle

A fitness tracker is very good at counting steps.

What it can’t measure is everything else you do to look after your body.

It doesn’t recognise that you’ve:

• enjoyed a Pilates class
• carried heavy shopping
• climbed flights of stairs
• worked on your balance
• improved your flexibility
• completed a strength workout
• spent time improving your posture
• or gone for a brisk walk that raised your heart rate.

Those activities all contribute to your health, yet none of them are fully reflected in a daily step total.

Movement is about more than numbers

One of the biggest problems with focusing on a single number is that it encourages comparison.

‘I’ve only done 7,000 steps today.’

‘My friend has already done 11,000.’

But what if your friend is shorter than you?

What if they spend all day walking around at work while you have a desk-based job?

What if you’ve already completed a Pilates class and a brisk 30-minute walk?

The numbers alone don’t tell the full story.

My approach

Rather than chasing a number on a watch, I encourage my clients to make movement part of everyday life.

Go for a brisk walk.

Take the stairs.

Stretch while the kettle boils.

Park a little further away.

Stand up regularly if you’ve been sitting for a while.

Enjoy a Pilates class.

Strengthen your body.

Improve your balance.

Keep your joints moving.

Every one of these choices contributes to better health.

The question I prefer to ask

Instead of asking yourself: ‘Did I achieve 10,000 steps today?’

Try asking: ‘Did I move my body today?’

Because movement isn’t just about walking.

It’s about building strength, maintaining mobility, improving balance, supporting your heart, looking after your joints and creating healthy habits that you can sustain for years to come.

Some days you might achieve 5,000 steps.

Other days it may be 12,000.

Neither number defines your health.

What matters is that you keep moving in ways that suit your body, your lifestyle and your goals.

After all, there isn’t one perfect number that works for everyone – but there is one habit that does.

Just keep moving.

Sam ‘I always struggle with counting’ Hobbs