Why can't I cycle instead of steps?

[Lisabirdy]

Why do PTs say you HAVE to do steps and nothing else counts?
I've spoken to 4 PTs now and asked if I can go on a gentle bike ride instead of 10, 000 steps.
They've all said no..it has to be walking?
Why??

There's nothing magical about 10000 steps, I assume that's some arbitrary achievable figure some one came up with to encourage people to be less sedentary day to day.

If you prefer cycling and are more likely to do that, then that's better than a step goal you're not likely to commit to, and much better than nothing.

I imagine there is some benefit to walking (over cycling/other cardio) in that it's moving your body the way it's meant to be moved, so added general mobility effects etc, but a good PT should balance what they think is good for you, with what you actually want to do.

Cycling is easier, unless you're doing lots of hills.
I get better cardio when walking than cycling the same route.

Walking is better for your fitness. Its also,ore load bearing which will help you as you age. Do both.

there have been several studies showing that brisk walking for over 10000 steps a day increases longevity. It’s not an arbitrary bit of advice

Walking uses more of your skeletal muscles which in turn helps things like insulin sensitivity and glucose burning.

It also helps protect against sarcopenia.

10,000 steps is an arbitrary number but I recommend doing at least 8000 a day.

10000 steps absolutely is arbitrary, it comes from a Japanese pedometer maker!

But as others say walking is better for you than cycling, the faster you walk the better so if you did a short but really brisk walk that got your heart pumping and a good long ride you'd be doing well.

As I understand it, really getting your heart going is more important than doing a set number of steps.

https://www.strongerbyscience.com/research-spotlight-walking/