Doctor and television presenter Alexander Myasnikov has called the common health guideline requiring people to walk 10,000 steps every day foolishness.
Speaking on the health program On the Most Important Thing broadcast on the Rossiya 1 channel, Myasnikov shared his personal experience with step tracking technology. The episode was also made available for streaming on the Smotrim platform.
The physician explained that he recently received a digital smartwatch as a gift that alerts the wearer upon reaching the 10,000-step threshold. Following the gift, he began monitoring his own daily walking activity closely.
Myasnikov admitted that tracking his movement became captivating, noting that he felt proud whenever his counter reached 20,000 steps in a day. However, he maintained that treating the specific benchmark as a strict health requirement is foolish.
Purpose of step guidelines
According to the doctor, the 10,000-step target was originally created simply to encourage individuals to increase their physical movement throughout the day. He stressed that there is no fixed standard or mandatory quota for daily walking.
Myasnikov stated that walking five thousand or seven thousand steps each day is also useful for maintaining health. He concluded that individuals should focus on general activity rather than chasing a single rigid numerical target.
Alexander Myasnikov is a prominent Russian physician, cardiologist, and author who has hosted national television health broadcasts for many years. His daily talk show, On the Most Important Thing, is one of the primary medical programs on Rossiya 1, Russia's flagship state-owned television channel operated by VGTRK.
Fitness trackers and modern smartwatches frequently use 10,000 steps as a default daily goal. Medical experts around the world frequently debate the necessity of this exact metric, with many health organizations recommending moderate daily aerobic exercise regardless of specific step counts.
Previous health debate
The television presenter previously generated discussion on the same program during a debate with an audience member regarding evening meals. The studio visitor argued that eating a heavy dinner before going to sleep raises the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Myasnikov disagreed with the woman's assertion, disputing the claim that a late heavy meal directly increases the likelihood of heart disease. The exchange formed part of his broader ongoing commentary on common health myths and dietary assumptions.
