An average person has a stride length of approximately 2.1 to 2.5 feet. That means that it takes over 2,000 steps to walk one mile; and 10,000 steps would be almost 5 miles. A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day.

The time it takes to reach 10,000 steps depends on intensity of steps taken. For moderate intensity, 100 steps per minute are taken and for vigorous intensity 130 steps per minute are taken. So, if the activity is moderate in intensity, it would take 100 minutes to reach 10,000 steps.

Ten thousand steps was first popularized by Japanese pedometers in the 1960s under the name "manpo-kei," which means"10,000 steps meter," according to UC Davis Integrative Medicine.

Today, taking 10,000 steps a day is a popular goal because some research hasshown coupled with other healthy behaviors it can leadto a decrease in chronic illness like diabetes, metabolic syndromes and heart disease, according to Michael Roizen, aphysician and chief wellness officer at Cleveland Clinic.

While the Centers for Disease and Control doesn't specifically recommend 10,000 steps a day, it does suggest people get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week (30 minutes a day) coupled with two or more days of muscle-strengthening activity.

The guidelines suggest Americans get some physical activity and reduce sedentary time, which will ultimately benefit their health,according to Neil Johannsen, assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University.

He said some research shows that adults aiming for the 150 minutes a week typically walk around 7,500 steps a day.

"So, taking that standpoint, 10,000 steps represents that highest level in most adults," Johannsen said."It’s that do more than what is recommendedand you will see further benefits to your health."

Source; USA Today