Beware bad fitness science

This is all despite the fact that 10,000 steps is a completely arbitrary figure, one that originates from a successful Japanese marketing campaign in the mid-60s. In an attempt to capitalise on the immense popularity of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the company Yamasa designed the world’s first wearable step-counter, a device called a manpo-kei, which translates as “10,000-step meter”.

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With the continuing fashion for wearables and health trackers, it's always a good idea to be well informed about the rationale behind the decisions you are making concerning your health and fitness activities.

Read the full article in the Guardian here.