Thu, Apr 05 2007

10,000 steps takes awhile

A friend has decided to try the type of walking outlined in 10,000 Steps a Day to Your Optimal Weight. She attaches her trusty little pedometer to her waistband in the morning and then lets it count her steps for her. I haven't read the book yet, but I decided to spend this week trying to incorporate several thousand steps into my own routine. This writer must be leading a more sedentary existence than I'd thought. It takes concerted effort for me to fit even 6000 steps into my day. I'm sure the author of the book is on to something, but unless you accept the fact that 10,000 steps can be measured in terms of several miles you could be fooled into thinking this type of program will be a snap to fit into your day.

The good news is that walking is the easiest exercise for many of us. There's less wear-and-tear on the joints than there is with running or jogging. And even extensive walking requires nothing in the way of special equipment except a supportive pair of shoes (plus a pedometer, if you wish to keep track of your steps or distance). Still, I think the whole 10,000 steps routine might be something I'll keep in my schedule a couple of times a week, but not as a daily goal.

posted at: 10:48 | category: /Health and Fitness | link to this entry