Google drops '10,000 steps' goal amid claims some fitness trackers might not actually work

Using small and measurable targets might be a much better way of getting fit, tech giant suggests

Fitbit unveils Alta HR, the world's slimmest fitness wristband with continuous heart rate, as well as two new sleep tracking features "Sleep Stages and Sleep Insights " at an event hosted by actress and dancer Julianne Hough (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Fitbit)

Google is trying to get rid of the "10,000 steps" target amid claims it could actually hold people back from getting more fit.

Many fitness trackers use the goal as a way of motivating people to get moving: 10,000 steps is an achievable but significant target for people as they try and get fitter.

But the new version of the company's health app drops that target and instead encourages people to fill rings in ways that allow them to better track their physical activity.

The Google Fit app works on smartphones and wearables and is one of the most popular ways of tracking how much activity people are doing.

Now it has been redesigned to focus on Move Minutes and Heart Points rather than simply counting steps.

Google has worked with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and American Heart Association (AHA) to create its new metrics, which it says have used science to better understand physical activity and how it can be used to improve health.

The company said its research showed that many people found the idea of 10,000 steps a day an intimidating goal when trying to be more active, and were more responsive to making small pieces of progress on a regular basis.

The new app will encourage users to move more regularly and increase their heart rate by doing physical activity in order to meet the WHO and AHA recommended amount of exercise.

"When it comes to your health, it's important to move more and sit less," the technology giant said.

"Earn Move Minutes for all of your activity and get motivated to make small, healthy changes throughout your day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or catching up with a friend over a walk instead of a coffee.

"Activities that get your heart pumping harder result in even greater health benefits. Heart Points give you credit for these activities.

"You'll score one point for each minute of moderate activity, like picking up the pace while walking your dog, and double points for more intense activities like running or kickboxing.

"It takes just 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week to reach the AHA and WHO's recommended amount of physical activity, which is shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve sleep, and increase overall mental well-being."

Google also confirmed that the new version of the Fit app would support data from other fitness apps and trackers, including products by Nike, Strava and Runkeeper.

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Digital technologies offer limitless possibilities to improve health, from personal fitness to building stronger health systems for entire countries.

"We're delighted to be working with Google Fit and others to harness the power of technology to maximise the impact of WHO's evidence-based recommendations for healthier living."

Technology firms have become increasingly health-conscious in recent years, with fitness tracking apps, wristbands and smartwatches growing in popularity.

Both Apple and Google are also taking steps to improve wellbeing and cut smartphone usage by introducing new screen time tools to help users track their phone use habits and cut down where necessary.

Additional reporting by Press Association