How many steps do you need in a day? A new study has a surprisingly low answer

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October 22, 2025 How many steps do you need in a day? A new study has a surprisingly low answer By Veronique Greenwood Staff Writer, Health & Science Step counts are a handy way to keep track of your physical activity. But that 10,000-step goal set by your fitness tracker isn't actually backed up by research, and recent findings suggest even lower numbers—much lower—can have a beneficial impact on your health. READ MORE » If you have a minute, please take our quick survey to help us better understand who you are and which health topics interest you most. Take the Survey WHAT ELSE TO READ What's the Best Skin-Care Routine? Here's a regimen that requires only two to three steps at the start and end of the day.   Seed Oils Don't Deserve Their Bad Reputation Here's what to know about arguments for and against seed oils.   The Surprising Benefits of Talking Out Loud to Yourself External self-talk reveals something about your personality.   If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here. Today's newsletter was written by Veronique Greenwood and edited by Angela Haupt.   Want more from TIME? Sign up for our other newsletters.         Subscribe to TIME TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Connect with TIME via Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters PRIVACY POLICY | YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS Questions? Contact newsletters@time.com Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2025 TIME USA, LLC. All rights reserved. TIME Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508 Boone, IA 50037-0508, United States of America Terms of Service