Average person walks how many miles per day

In terms of the greatest distance ever walked in a single day, several individuals have covered mile range distances. Most individuals will average much less distance daily, however, and this record serves to show what is possible rather than normal.

The average miles walked per day by hikers attempting the Pacific Crest, Appalachian or Continental Divide trails provide a good benchmark for normal individuals curious about their capabilities if walking was the focus of every single day.

These trails are strenuous, however, and you must consider the terrain as a limiting factor on certain sections. A normal hiker completing any of these three big trails will cover an average of 8 to 10 miles per day, with some hikers pushing through 12 to 16 miles daily, according to TrailQuest. That includes low days and high days, which means hikers may cover 20 or more miles one day and only a few the next.

It all depends on the individual hiker and the availability of critical elements like water and food. Looking at the thru-hiker as a reference point is productive, because it demonstrates that many individuals have the ability to hike 10 or more miles as a daily average. They are not necessarily doing every mile in a single stretch, because the hiker has all day to work through this distance.

Hiking a morning and afternoon session separately is not uncommon. As a general form of exercise, walking is simple and accessible to everyone with the physical capabilities.

The primary limiting component associated with the average miles walked per day is time. Covering a reasonable distance on a regular schedule requires at least a few hours daily, whereas a short, high-intensity workout can elevate the heart rate and give you results in less than one hour each day. Walking is low intensity; it burns calories and is a great form of exercise , especially when incorporated into a broader workout routine.

Walking for one to four hours lets you cover anywhere from 2 to 10 miles, depending on pace. Working through two separate sessions daily is also a good approach to covering more miles with a nice break to relieve the joints. Dedicated walking just a few days each week lets you do longer time-frame workouts. Leave the short, high-intensity workouts for your busy days when time is limited. That will give your body good starting hydration and time to eliminate any extra.

As you walk, have a cup of water every half hour. When you finish your walk, have another tall glass of water. Before your walk, have a small balanced meal of protein and carbs. If you are sensitive to lactose, avoid milk products before a walk.

You don't want to start on empty, but you don't want too much food jostling around in your stomach as you walk. Have a small snack after two hours if you must go on a very long walk. Take extra precautions if you will be walking in the dark. Your walking trip may extend from dusk till dawn. You will want to wear reflective clothing and preferably wear light-colored clothing. Take precautions as vehicles are less likely to see you. Carry a small flashlight. Looking to start walking off the weight?

Our free guide offers tips, workouts, and a printable schedule to help you get on the right track. American Academy of Dermatology.

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Show references Lifestyle coach facilitation guide: Post-core. Stepping up to physical activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed April 26, Starting a walking program. American College of Sports Medicine. Smith-McLallen A, et al. Comparative effectiveness of two walking interventions on participation, step counts and health. American Journal of Health Promotion. Glasper A. Walk this way: Improving activity levels.

British Journal of Nursing. Tips for being active with diabetes. Accessed April 27, Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed June 9, Reducing sedentary behaviors: Sit less and move more. Move more and sit less the NEAT way.