You’ve seen it on TikTok. Your Apple Watch won’t shut up. Someone in your office is pacing during meetings like they’re training for a half marathon.
But how far is 10,000 steps, really?
And is it actually doing anything for your fitness or is it just a number that makes us feel better about skipping the gym?
We’re breaking it down, SYN style.
So... How Far Is 10,000 Steps?
Short answer: around 8km or 5 miles.
That’s about 1 hour 30 minutes of walking at a normal pace, more if you’re strolling, less if you’re marching like a soldier with a deadline.
But how far you go depends on:
Your height (longer legs = longer strides = fewer steps)
Your pace (slower = more time, fewer km)
The terrain (flat pavements vs uphill hikes vs the cobbled chaos of Leicester)
Basically, your 10,000 steps aren’t the same as your mate’s and that’s okay.
Why 10,000? A Random Marketing Number, Actually.
Fun fact: the “10,000 steps” goal didn’t come from medical research. It came from a 1960s Japanese marketing campaign.
A pedometer brand called Manpo-kei (which literally means “10,000 step meter”) launched the trend.
No real science. Just a clean, round number that looked good on a screen.
That said, it does encourage people to move more and that’s not a bad thing.
If your only goal is basic movement and not turning into a potato, 10,000 steps is a good start. It gets your heart rate up, helps with circulation, and gets you out of your chair (or bed, no judgment).
BUT… if you’re aiming to:
Lose fat
Build muscle
Improve performance
Actually feel strong and capable
Then walking isn’t going to cut it. Sorry. You’re going to need more than just your “hot girl walk.”
Steps Are Great But Here’s What Else You Need
At SYN Collective — the best gym in Leicester, obviously, we don’t hate on steps. We encourage them. But here’s the reality: steps are passive movement. They won’t build muscle. They won’t sculpt your body. And they definitely won’t get you stronger.
What will?
Cardio that actually challenges you (intervals, running, biking, rowing — take your pick)
And, of course, a gym environment that pushes you and doesn’t bore you to death.
Our Take: 10,000 Steps Is a Baseline, Not a Badge of Honour
Walking is a good start. It helps. It’s part of a healthy lifestyle.
But if you’re relying on 10,000 steps to get fit, you’re playing yourself.
You don’t need a badge on your Fitbit.
You need:
Proper programming
Progressive overload
And a community that keeps you accountable
That’s where SYN Collective comes in.
Ready to Go Beyond Just Steps?
If you want to actually feel fit, move well, look better, and train with purpose, SYN is your place.
We’re not just another gym in Leicester. We’re a collective of doers, lifters, and go-getters who don’t settle for average.
What you get at SYN:
Expert coaching
Top-of-the-line kit
Zero fluff, no contracts
A high-performance environment
A city-centre location that’s actually convenient
Bonus: Easy Ways to Smash Your Step Count
Let’s be honest some days, getting to 10k steps feels like a full-time job. Here’s how to sneak them in:
Walk to the gym instead of driving
Take your calls while walking
Get off the bus a stop early
Walk-and-talk meetings (we rate them)
Explore Leicester’s side streets (and get lost on purpose)
Bring a dog. Borrow a dog. Chase a dog. Dogs help.