The study could not definitively prove whether the steps themselves decreased the risk of developing diseases and dying, or if people who tend to be healthier anyway also get more steps in throughout the day. “I wouldn’t want people to look at that as a magical number, that you must be above that exact step count,” Dr. Martin said. But the new research emphasizes that fitness is not “all or nothing,” she said: Every little bit of exercise helps. The small snippets of movement built into our day — trailing from the bedroom to the bathroom, darting out to get coffee — add up and make a difference, she said. Taking an extra loop around the block, or stepping out for a 10-minute walk break, can have a big impact.

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Persons: Jennifer Heisz, ”, ” Dr, Martin, “, Min Lee, Heisz, Lee Organizations: McMaster University, Harvard Medical School