A new step-by-step guide called, Steps to Better Health, published by The Cooper Institute, was created to help motivate people to increase daily activity levels and provide them with scientifically-based recommendations. The guide, designed to be used in conjunction with a step counter (pedometer), includes a daily log, goal setting tips, habit helpers, and frequently asked exercise questions.

The average adult is estimated to clock about 3,000 steps a day, but experts recommend that people take 10,000 steps a day to improve their overall health and meet the U.S. Surgeon General’s minimum recommendation of at least 30 minutes of daily moderate physical activity each day. An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 steps a day can help initiate weight loss.