Anyone counting steps?

[tiggerlover]

Just wondering if any of our WISHers are couting steps to reach 10,000 each day. I had done this awhile ago and actually misplaced my pedometer. We are getting new carpet tomorrow and in emptying out all the closets I found my pedometer. I logged in over 13,000 steps yesterday and thought I would start counting my steps this week to see where I go.

I just read the following and thought it worth sharing here:

Averages

The average person walks only between 3,500 and 5,000 steps a day, which is considered to be a sedentary lifestyle. Over 5,000 and under 8,000 is considered 'normal' daily activity, with over 8,000 and under 10,000 being considered 'somewhat active'. This level of steps would normally include some deliberate exercise or a job which included a lot of walking. Over 10,000 means you are 'active', with anything over 12,500 being 'highly active'.

Does it Have to Be 10,000?

It may be that you don't need to do 10,000 steps every day to gain in fitness, reduce the risk of heart disease or lose weight. Just adding 30 minutes of brisk walking3 to your day might only add 2,000 - 3,000 steps to your total, which could mean that if you usually fall into the 'sedentary' category you could be doing well under 10,000. However, this will have an impact on your health and could encourage people to walk more. 10,000 steps is an awful lot, and many people who have jobs could be put off if they find they have to get home from work and do another 5,000 steps (around two and a half miles) and simply not bother. However, once you have included a 30 minute daily walk into your lifestyle, there is no reason why it can't be increased gradually.

10,000 is not always suitable for everyone. People who are very overweight, are chronically ill or aged may find it is too much. For children, it could well be too few steps - girls could need as many as 12,000, with boys needing 15,000 to stay at a healthy weight.

Finding the Extra Steps

Wondering how you can add extra steps to your day is a problem many people face. Here are a few suggestions for brisk walking:

Try to walk some of the way to work or school - even if it's just the second nearest bus stop.

Walk the dog, or someone else's dog if you don't have one (remembering to scoop the poop).

Walk up or down the stairs, rather than taking the elevator.

Take a walk with your partner, friends, or children.

Walk to the shops or park further away.

Take a walk at lunchtime - don't buy lunch on the way in, but make a special trip to get it.

And just adding any old steps:

Don't wait until you get up to do a few bits and pieces. Get up and do them individually as they occur.

Leave the remote controls on top of the gadgets they control, and get up to change the TV channel, etc.

Walk around the garden.

If possible, don't email or phone colleagues but go over and visit them. You could take a cup of tea with you if you are unsure of your welcome. The walk to the kitchen adds yet more steps.

Just thought it was some useful information and that we could all benefit, I know I am always looking for more ways to get in some exercising. Happy stepping!

 

[SeeDisney]

Yes, I have a pedometer too and if I use it at the beginning of the day I find myself getting addicted to reach the 10,000 steps so I'd find myself walking more to achieve. Crazy but fun.