How Many Steps in a Mile and How Many Should You Walk?

Fitness trackers and smartwatches can measure steps, but most Americans measure distance in miles. So if an app or doctor suggests walking a certain number of steps each day, it can help to estimate that distance in miles with some simple calculations. This article will show you how to calculate how many of your steps are in a mile.

How Many Steps Does it Take to Travel One Mile?

Indeed, people of different sizes and natural gates will adopt various stride lengths.
  • One mile equals 5,280 feet, and average strides measure 2.1 to 2.5 feet.
  • Figure the average person requires about 2,000 steps to walk one mile.
  • Using the same figures, an average person would need to take 10,000 steps to walk five miles.
Because people’s actual strides may vary significantly from the average, a fitness tracker can offer an excellent way to precisely track the number of strides. Typically, fitness apps can also convert that figure into miles.

How Many Steps Should People Walk on an Average Day?

The CDC says that the average American walks about 1.5 to two miles a day. That distance does not sound bad, but the CDC considers people who walk less than 5,000 steps a day sedentary. In addition, the CDC also suggests people should aim to walk at least 10,000 steps a day for good health, or about five miles.
A 2020 study appeared to back up the government’s suggestion. It found that people who walked at least 8,000 steps a day enjoyed a 50-percent lower risk of death from any cause than those who walked 4,000 steps a day.
Most people in the United States don’t walk 4,000 steps a day. But, on the positive side, people who can increase the distance they regularly walk even modestly can improve their health from the baseline of not exercising at all.

How to Get Started Walking for Fitness

Start with almost any comfortable clothes with the outdoor climate in mind. For example, a hat with a brim or visor can offer protection against sun and wind. Most importantly, invest in a good pair of shoes with a design meant to relieve pressure on joints and muscles. Also, carry a water bottle to avoid dehydration.
Even inexpensive smartwatches usually offer step counters, and many provide fitness features that can track and encourage steady progress. These devices can also include handy features such as a GPS for navigation, streaming music, heart rate monitors, and various alerts. Even though walkers need little more than good shoes to start walking, a smartwatch will prove handy.

How to Protect a Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker

Wearables have grown increasingly popular as people discover the value of these small, connected devices. Unfortunately, these watch-sized computers get exposed to many hazards and frequently succumb to wear or accidents. Typical issues include cracked screens, worn buttons, and connectivity problems.
An Upsie smartwatch extended warranty will offer the peace of mind that consumers need to make their device part of a regular fitness routine. In addition, Upsie’s affordable protection plans cover worn or defective parts, exposure to moisture, and even accidental drops.
Best of all, Upsie’s warranties cost up to 70 percent less than warranties sold in-stores or from manufacturers. This means that customers can decline warranties offered at checkout and choose an Upsie plan instead. Customers can purchase an Upsie warranty for smartwatches bought in the last 60 days.
Upsie also offers warranties for fitness equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, and rowing machines.

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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.