Do you know how many steps you walk in a day?
It might not be as many as you thought. New studies show that people who average 5,000 steps or less a day are considered sedentary. What?! 5,000 sounds a lot, but it’s nowhere near beneficial for health. What’s even scarier is you might only be getting a couple of thousand per day. Going forward, think of movement as part of your self-care regimen.
The new magic number is 8,000, and if you really want to see and feel changes in your body, increase your steps to 10,000. Those are the numbers to literally add years to your life just by walking.
The good news is, it’s easier than you think! Let’s get on it and get moving!
Here are the little changes I’ve made that have helped me reach my daily goal. Try them and watch your steps increase!
- Apple Watch – Tracking with my watch has made me really mindful and pushes me when I see my steps in a low range. I think I’ve gotten a lot of steps in, but after checking my watch, I see I still have a way to go. You can’t change what you don’t track! If you’re not an Apple Watch person, there are all kinds of counters that can help you reach your daily goals. Your phone can also track your steps if you have it on you.
- Walk In The House – It was easy to get steps in when the weather was nice, but now it’s getting cold outside, and I don’t always feel like bundling up for a walk. So now, instead of reading emails, listening to podcasts, etc., sitting down, I’m walking around the house! You would be amazed at how easy it is to get steps this way. When hubby sees me walking around and going up and down stairs continuously or marching in place, he knows I’m working on increasing my numbers!
Consider these two things in your walking program!
- Don’t Look For The Closest Parking Space – I used to look for the nearest parking spot when I went to the store. Not
anymore if I’m trying to increase my steps to the 8,000 – 10,000 range. I will park much further away, so my numbers will increase. It all adds up quickly! - Get Outside – Walking outside is the best and has always been my first choice for getting steps in. Sometimes, it doesn’t work out, but most days, I’m outside tracking on my watch and getting some Vitamin D from the sun. Put on extra layers of clothing if you have to, and get outside as much as possible. Just 15 minutes can impact every organ in your body.
Improved health doesn’t have to be complicated. Many easy lifestyle changes can be powerful in improving your quality of life. Walking is definitely one of them. Not just any walking, but walking with a goal and purpose to be the best, healthiest you is the motivator.
If your steps are not in the range for optimal health, start tracking them and get moving in a new way. Get creative and get a headstart before the new year to establish this good habit. Your body and brain will thank you!
Happy walking!
Until next time,
~Pat
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