Why 10,000 steps?
Step Up to Better Health is based on research showing active individuals — those who achieve 10,000 steps a day or more — have lower risk for many chronic conditions including heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, and obesity. People who are regularly active also report greater energy, better mood, improved sleep, and other quality of life benefits.


10,000 steps seem like a lot. Can I really reach that goal?
Achieving 10,000 steps a day is a challenge for many. That's okay. You can work up to it gradually and achieve health benefits no matter what your current activity level. The Step Up to Better Health program helps you increase your steps over time by suggesting new step goals every daily. We’ve found just wearing the step counter motivates individuals to add another 2000 without a lot of extra effort. Then, after work or dinner, most people check their step counter, see they’re at 5000 or 6000 steps, and decide to go for a 2-3 mile walk or run to reach 10,000.


Will I lose weight participating in Step Up to Better Health?
Many people do — studies show active people are more likely to maintain a healthy weight than those who are inactive. Yet that’s not the program’s only goal; its advantages go well beyond helping you maintain a healthy weight.


Why not track mileage?
The purpose of tracking daily steps is to have a simple measurement that shows how active you are so you can begin stepping up your activity. Most people take 2000-4000 steps a day. To determine your approximate mileage, divide your steps by 2000. For examples, 10,000 steps divided by 2000 equals 5 miles.


I just got my step counter and I think it may be defective. What should I do?
First, double-check to make sure you're wearing your step counter correctly. If positioned incorrectly, it won't track steps accurately. We will replace defective step counters returned within 1 year of purchase. Mail your defective step counter along with your name, address, and phone number to: Health Enhancement Systems, P.O. Box 1035, Midland, MI 48641-1035.


My friend would like a step counter, but is not interested in enrolling in the program. How can she get one?
To order an additional step counter for a family member or friend who is not a member of AARP, mail your request with a check for $14 (US funds) made payable to: Health Enhancement Systems P.O. Box 1035, Midland, MI 48641-1035.


What if I have questions along the way?
Please submit your question.


How much activity is enough?

To achieve significant health benefits, the US Department of Health & Human Services recommends the following physical activity guidelines for adults.

Adults (ages 18-64)

  • Adults should get 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, 1 hour and 15 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. This should be in sessions of at least 10 minutes, preferably spread throughout the week.
  • Additional health benefits are gained by increasing to 5 hours a week of moderate-intensity, 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity, or an equivalent combination of both.
  • Adults should also do muscle-strengthening exercises that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week.

Older Adults (65 and older)

  • If following the adult guidelines above isn’t possible due to limiting conditions, older adults should be as physically active as their abilities allow, including exercises that maintain or improve balance.

For all individuals, some activity is better than none. Physical activity is safe for almost everyone, and the health benefits far outweigh the risks. People without diagnosed chronic conditions (for example, diabetes, heart disease, or osteoarthritis) or symptoms (such as chest pain or pressure, dizziness, or joint pain) don’t need to consult a health care provider before starting an exercise program.