I need your help please. Can you give me 10,000?
I’m not asking you to write a check. But I won’t stop you if you feel so inclined…
It’s Month #5 and we’re launching our next habit – walking.
Walking has been proven to be a healthy habit. Something we need to be doing all the time. Our bodies are powerful and resilient. And we’ve got to keep moving to remain healthy, vibrant and strong.
Walking is low impact. But it’s great exercise in so many ways.
For example:
- At a brisk pace, walking strengthens your legs and core.
- It gets your heart rate up. So it aids in circulation and breathing.
- And helps to clear your head. Personally, I do some of my best thinking and problem-solving when I’m on a walk (next best place is the shower).
- And if it’s sunny, you get to boost your Vitamin D production. Just remember the sunscreen.
Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends 10,000 steps per day (aka “10K a day”). And he’s not the only one.
By the way, logging 10,000 steps is no small feat. You’ve got to be deliberate and make time for it. Otherwise you will struggle to get anywhere close to hitting that goal every day.
Let’s clarify a few things.
I’ve created this brief Q&A to help you get started with your new walking habit.
(Q1). What counts as a step?
(A1). Everything. But as with most things, quality matters. The faster or brisker your pace, the better. We are all at different fitness levels. And you will know when the steps you’re taking are meaningful, and when they’re not. Regardless, find a way to get to at least 10K a day!
(Q2). How do I track my daily step count?
(A2). The easiest way is with your smartphone. Or you can use a pedometer, fitness band / activity tracker, or smartwatch.
(Q3). How do I track my progress?
(A3). Your smartphone. As an iPhone user, I use the built-in Apple Health app. It automatically tracks your step activity, as long as your phone is with you when you’re moving. It also displays your “daily average” steps on a dashboard. Plus, a whole lot more health-related data. There are plenty of health-related apps on the Android. I’m just not aware of an all-inclusive one like the iPhone offers at this time.
(Q4). Why 10,000 steps?
(A4). Well first off, 10,000 steps equates to approximately 5 miles. Based on my research, I discovered that 10,000 began as an arbitrary number. It was originally created as a promotion by a Japanese pedometer company. But since that time, studies have confirmed that 10,000 appears to be the sweet spot where people lose weight and gain control of their health & wellness.
This article is packed with useful information about activity, ways to increase your step count, and top picks for pedometers, fitness bands, and smartwatches.
Will you commit to 10K a day?
I hope so.
Just don’t do what I did last May, and you’ll avoid making a similar bonehead mistake. Click here to learn what ‘not’ to do.
This one incident set me back a few months, while the pain lingered for at least 6. But it’s a valuable lesson and I am happy to pass it on. So remember to leave the light on.
Thank you for sharing your time with me. I hope you found value.
Now it’s time for YOU to take action…
What’s your Win to be Thin? Leave a comment below.
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