The reality is: America is becoming increasingly obese, and the rest of the world is not far behind. We’re eating more (and eating more of the wrong things) and exercising less or not at all. Our health is deteriorating rapidly, with doctor and hospital visits at all-time highs. Just walking for a 30-minutes a day can change all of that.
We have it all, and it’s just getting worse. Heart and lung disease, high blood pressure, stroke, blood sugar levels that are out of control, diabetes, obesity, and other conditions are all on the rise. The Surgeon General of the United States recommends that we get at least 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, but many of us fall well short of that.
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According to studies, the average individual walks between 3000 and 5000 steps a day, with some taking even less. Let’s face it, we don’t get nearly as much exercise as our ancestors did a century or so ago, and we consume more processed foods. For some of us, the majority of our movements are from our comfy chair in front of the TV to the refrigerator to stock up on snacks. Others, spend days seated at a computer monitor.
How Many Steps is Enough
To preserve our weight and overall health, many fitness experts suggest that we take 10,000 steps a day. Depending on the length of the stride, 10,000 steps equals approximately 5 miles. To keep track of how many steps you take each day, you’ll need to buy and wear a pedometer. Follow the instructions that came with your pedometer. You’ll get a decent average move count if you do this for a week or two. Your daily aim is to walk 10,000 steps or more. There’s nothing magical about the number 10,000, but it’ll get you close.
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An individual will burn approximately 100 calories walking a mile, depending on their age, gender, and fitness level. The more weight you have the more calories you will burn.
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Consider new ways to improve the step count. At work, take a stroll during your lunch break. Take a walk with your partner or baby. Take the dog for a walk. Instead of driving, walk to the store or park at the far end of the lot. Instead of taking the elevator or escalator, take the stairs. Some people, try to walk at least a brisk one-mile-long walk around the neighborhood (aerobic walking). Simply do what you think is best for you, but do it! When walking for exercise, you’ll need proper walking shoes and socks to avoid injury (like aerobic walking).
To learn more about this life-saving, life-changing initiative, do a search online and type in the benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day. There is a wealth of knowledge available.
Investing in a great pedometer is a great way to keep track of your steps.ย A smartwatch with a fitness tracker monitors heart rate and calorie intake.