Yesterday, at the beach, Mitch and I had a chance to suck up some vitamin D and some peace as well. It was so beautiful, I couldn’t help but wonder why we have so many houses and condos for sale! To all of those who ask “but don’t you miss the change of seasons?” I answer…nahhh, not really!
As we took a walk along the beach, before heading back home for big football, Sunday, I found myself thinking about the 10,000 step a day rule. How far IS 10,000 steps? Sure, I have tried wearing pedometers, but I never find them to be accurate, and I truly had no idea how many steps I take when I walk the beach, the dog, etc. Yesterday I counted my steps back from our nice walk, and came up with about 600, so times it was about 1200. That is just barely 1/10 of the 10,000 steps that are recommended daily to maintain our weight and fitness. While it is obviously different for everyone, depending on the size of their feet and their walking stride, 10,000 feet is approximately 5 miles. For weight LOSS, 12,000-15,000 is the recommendation. To build aerobic fitness levels, make 3,000 or more of those steps FAST!
Certainly we can trade our walking in for another form of cardiovascular exercise, but keep in mind, you may need to do more or work harder to truly accomplish the equivalent of those 10, or even 15,000 steps you are aiming for.
Today is the best day I know to get those feet going. If you are in a warm weather climate, there is nothing like getting some vitamin D right along with your fitness. If you are in a climate that doesn’t allow for outdoor walking, there is always the mall…or even the good ol’ gym. Today is NO EXCUSE Monday. With the holidays WELL behind us now, 3 weeks into the new year, excuse time is long over. Walking. It works!
This is great information. This will help me right away. Thanks.