WALKING ROUTES. Walking for an hour daily can boost step counts by 6,000. Sophomore Annalise Atkinson does not track her steps, but estimates she gets around 8,000 per day. “I wish I got more steps every day…I’d like to go for more walks,” she said. (Fair use image: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

Walking not only improves cardiovascular health and muscular maintenance, but it’s also a powerful tool for mental well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average American walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day or roughly 1.5 to 2 miles. A single hour of intentional walking can add 6,000 steps, offer a significant mental health boost, and help achieve that magical number of 10,000 steps per day.
Despite not using any tracking devices, sophomore Otto Rudolf feels fulfilled with the number of daily steps he takes. His self-motivated approach to walking, estimating around 10,000 steps per day, is a testament to the personal satisfaction that can be derived from achieving step goals.
Freshman Stella Hunter averages about 5,000 steps per day, just above the average. Hunter says that she feels happier when she’s getting more steps and spending more time outside; however, the bitterness of winter makes walking tough for her. “I feel like I should definitely get more steps,” she said.
Others find they reach their maximum amount of steps during the summertime. Freshman Yasmin Khan loves the recent warmer weather, which has made it easier to get more steps in, but she still prefers walking in the summertime. “I don’t feel like I get enough [steps] because I don’t go outside as much because we’re in school all day,” she said.
Her favorite endeavor that requires walking is traveling. “I feel like I get the most steps in summer because that’s when I’m traveling the most,” she said.

Sophomore Charlotte Talbot gets her steps most days of the week by playing volleyball, and most other student-athletes have similar experiences. “I would say I get around 10,000 steps per day on days when I have volleyball practice,” she said. Satisfied with her number of steps, Talbot says she doesn’t need to add more to her routine.
Even without a fancy smart watch, most cell phones already offer features and apps that can be used for step tracking. Whether you take most of your steps inside, outside, at sports practices or commuting, walking can boost cardiovascular health and provide mental health benefits.