How Many Steps Do Indians Walk Daily? Data Reveals the Truth About Our Fitness Levels

Fitness awareness is growing rapidly across the world. From gyms to yoga studios and fitness apps, people are exploring various ways to stay healthy. Among all fitness routines, walking remains one of the most effective and accessible forms of exercise. It not only helps reduce body fat but also improves heart health, stamina, and mental well-being.

Different walking trends — like brisk walking, treadmill walking, mountain pose walking, reverse walking, and Nordic walking — have become popular among fitness enthusiasts. With smartwatches and fitness bands becoming common, people now keep a close watch on their daily step count.

Recently, data on the average number of daily steps taken by people across different countries has revealed where India stands in the global fitness chart.

How many steps do Indians walk daily?
According to a 2017 global study, Indians walk an average of 4,297 steps per day. The research analyzed data from 717,527 people in 111 countries over about 95 days using smartphone activity tracking. Countries in the study included Hong Kong, China, the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Canada, the US, India, and Indonesia.

The findings showed that India ranks lower in daily physical activity compared to many other nations.

How many steps should you walk every day?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults, including older individuals, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, such as walking. This roughly equals 2,000 steps per day, but for better health, increasing this to 300 minutes per week (around 5,000 steps daily) is even more beneficial.

Simple ways to increase your daily steps:

• Use stairs instead of elevators.

• Park your vehicle a little farther and walk the remaining distance.

• Take short walks while talking on the phone.

• Do household chores — they add up to your step count.

• Go for a walk during office breaks.

Expert opinion: How many steps should you walk based on your age?
According to Dr. Ajay Kumar, a senior physician from Delhi, the ideal target for most adults is 10,000 steps a day, but it can vary depending on age and health.

Here’s his breakdown:

• Children (5–10 years): Should walk more than 10,000 steps daily for healthy growth.

• Adults (18–45 years): Should aim for 9,000–11,000 steps a day. At this stage of life, walking helps counterbalance a sedentary lifestyle.

• Older adults (60+ years): Around 5,000–6,000 steps daily is sufficient. However, seniors with health conditions should consult their doctor before increasing activity levels, as overexertion can harm weak bones and joints.