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Fitbit starts everyone off with a 10,000-step goal, and here's why: It adds up to about five miles each day for most people, which includes about 30 minutes of daily exercise—satisfying the CDC's recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Thing is, 10,000 steps per day might not make sense for you. You may need to nab more if you want to lose a certain amount of weight, or take fewer steps if you're new to fitness or recovering from an injury. Your step goal can vary depending on your needs, and it can also shift over time. Here's how to set it right for you.

Your fitness goal : General Fitness Gains

Your plan : If you're new to exercise or returning from injury, you'll want to start slowly to avoid burnout or further injury. Wear a Fitbit tracker and determine how many steps you take on average each day over the course of a week. That's your baseline. The Mayo Clinic recommends adding 1000 daily steps each week, so if your baseline is 4000 steps per day, set your goal at 5000 steps each day. Meeting your goal may be as simple as an extra five-minute walk, or even parking a few cars further away at the supermarket, depending on your speed and stride.

Your fitness goal : Weight Loss

Your plan : First, determine how much weight you wish to lose—then, do a little math. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends slow weight loss for lasting results—usually 1/2 pound to one pound per week. Completing an extra 10,000 steps each day typically burns about 2000 to 3500 extra calories each week. One pound of body fat equals 3500 calories, so depending on your weight and workout intensity, you could lose about one pound per week simply by completing an extra 10,000 steps each day.

Your fitness goal : Health Maintenance

Your plan : Once you have met your desired goals, you may simply want to maintain your fitness level. The 10,000-step goal could be just right for you—and the benefits of a 30-minute daily stroll are nearly boundless, from slowing mental decline and lowering blood pressure, to improving sleep and relieving depression. One study out of California State University showed that mood lifted in correlation with increased numbers of daily steps, and researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that 30 minutes of walking each day cut stroke risk by a minimum of 20%. Of course, you'll also burn calories and fat, and if outside, enjoy an extra dose of sunny vitamin D while you're at it.

Ready to adjust your step goal? Click into your Fitbit app on your mobile device, tap Account , scroll down to Goals , choose Activity , and then tap Steps to set the number that makes sense for you. You can also visit your Fitbit dashboard on your computer, hover over Steps to reveal the Settings icon, click Activity Goals , and then set the number of steps.

What's your perfect number? Tell us all about your ultimate step goal and join the conversation below.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.

Lara Rosenbaum

lrosenbaum

Lara Rosenbaum is a writer, certified fitness trainer, and dog lover with a serious passion for the outdoors. Formerly Fitbit's fitness editor, Lara has held editorial positions at several magazines, including Women's Health, where she was the founding fitness editor. Lara is also a former elite athlete, and has traveled the world as a member of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team.

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