Five Miles A day

Keep your weight, and your diabetes risk, down by logging more miles. For the biggest benefit, walk 10,000 steps (about five miles) daily.

According to a study in the British Medical Journal, 10,000 steps a day seems to be the perfect amount for cardiovascular fitness. The research found that, compared to people who logged 3,000 steps a few times a week, people who took 10,000 steps at least five times a week had one-third the risk of diabetes. They also had a lower body mass index.

It probably comes as no surprise to find out that the more you walk, the greater the health benefits. But do you know how active you are throughout your day? Try clipping on a pedometer for a week to find out. Five miles is equal to about 10,000 steps, but that doesn’t mean you have to fit in a five-miler every day. Just puttering about the house getting ready for work will earn you 250 steps. Walking your dog around the block: another 600. Just remember that 30 minutes of activity should be performed at a brisk aerobic pace. If, at the end of the day, you’re still short on strides, walk around the neighborhood until you reach 10,000.