A new study is challenging the widely accepted idea that we need to hit 10,000 daily steps for good health. Now, experts are questioning whether other health benchmarks—like eight glasses of water, eight hours of sleep, or 150 minutes of weekly exercise—are equally oversimplified. Turns out, rigid rules might not be one-size-fits-all.

Editor’s Note: We’ve all heard the golden rules for staying healthy, but science evolves—and so should our habits. This story matters because it nudges us to think critically about blanket health advice. Maybe the real key is tuning into what your body actually needs, not just following a rigid checklist.

Turns out, you don’t need to hit that mythical 10,000-step goal to stay healthy. New research suggests that just 7,000 daily steps can significantly lower your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, dementia, and cancer. It’s a more achievable target for anyone who’s ever felt discouraged by the bigger number.

Forget the old 10,000-step mantra—new research suggests hitting just 7,000 daily steps could slash your risk of dying from cancer by 37% and lower overall mortality by nearly half. The study reinforces that modest movement adds up, proving you don’t need perfection to see real benefits.