Several health apps and fitness trackers suggest a daily goal of 10k steps. This is what their users try to achieve daily. But did you know that this number comes from a 1960 study made in Japan, that didn’t even look at what impact it had on someone’s health?

So, why are we using this study? Don’t we have better and more up-to-date ones?

The answer is yes, we do! There’s for example a 2011 scientific review that analysed 80 studies with a total of 1.3 million participants, and found that 300min of vigorous exercise per week (e.g. running) is associated with a 39% lower mortality risk. (You can find the study here)

Of course this doesn’t mean you should stop doing your 10k steps a day. But it’s likely that we’d all benefit from doing a bit more exercise. At least more intensely. (This doesn’t apply to people who for health — e.g. heart disease — or other reasons cannot do vigorous exercise; consult with your doctor if you’re not sure)

Health tech companies out there are trying to help us do more exercise, which is definitely good for our health. But they could do a better job of guiding us by using better and more up-to-date scientific research.

So, when trying to be healthier and changing your lifestyle, make sure you’re following solid scientific advice.