With the advent of fitness watches, we are now constantly aware of how active we are (or aren’t) being each and every day. If you aren’t a part of this craze, it’s likely you’ve heard people talk about ‘meeting their steps.’ But why is everyone obsessed with walking now? What’s the point, and how much are we actually supposed to be walking in a day?

The number people usually throw out as being the best goal is 10,000 steps. According to this article, “More research has linked a 10,000-step habit to a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, better psychological well-being, weight loss and improved body composition.”

Some studies suggest you should be walking 15,000 steps if you’re a women, and 17,000 if you’re a man. However, aiming for 10,000 each day is a good step (excuse the pun) to a healthier lifestyle.

But why is walking so good for you? It’s because, as you may have suspected, humans weren’t meant to be sitting at their desks for 8 hours every day. Throughout the course of history, humans were on their feet for hours on end, walking or doing manual labor. So it makes sense that our bodies are the healthiest when they’re doing what they’re designed to do.

What are some ways you can walk 10,000 steps a day? Here are some ideas I came up with:

-Take your dog for a walk in the mornings, or when you come home from work.

-If you can, walk to go get your lunch instead of driving.

-Take the stairs!

-Return calls while walking.