How many steps should you take a day? 

Do you know how many steps you take a day? 

Thanks to technology (more specifically to smartwatches), today it is much easier to know this average. 

But is this number enough for you to stop being included in the sedentary group? 

And what would be the ideal amount? 

Let's find out: Generally, smart watches and bracelets consider a minimum of 10,000 steps a day to be ideal. 

But why? 10,000 steps are equivalent to approximately eight kilometers. 

This number would theoretically reduce the chances of certain health conditions appearing, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. 

However, a 2011 study found that healthy adults can take between 4,000 and 18,000 steps a day, and that 10,000 is just an average. 

The truth is that the number of steps you take can vary depending on your goal. 

The important thing is to try to move as much as possible on a daily basis. 

Factors such as sex, age and diet can alter the outcome, but research has shown that taking at least 15,000 steps a day is correlated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome (linked to being overweight). 

To improve your fitness level, you need to know how many steps you are doing on average in a day. 

Then set a goal of 500 to 1,000 steps above your current average — you could, for example, gradually increase your walking time during the week until you reach your final number. 

Now that you know the number of steps required, it's time to start bringing more movement into your everyday life. Check out some tips: 

• Set aside time every morning (or evening) for a daily walk; 

• divide the session into three shorter 20-minute walks and complete them during the day; 

• At work, instead of sending messages or emails, go to your colleagues' desks and chat; 

• Use a bathroom further away from your desk; 

• Park in a place further away than usual; 

• Walk around the house during home office meetings; 

• Play more with your children (or pets).