10,000 steps

 

I know even today when some think of exercise, they think “No pain: No gain". Actually, the modern day approach to that is “No pain:No gain: No sense”.  It is that previous mind set that makes so many throw in the towel before even getting started with a fitness program. The Surgeon General’s recommendation is to accumulate 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. Our goal is to reduce risk for certain disease and create a longer, better quality of life.  The accumulation of 30 minutes a day can be approached as taking 10,000 steps a day. Not everyone should jump into a fitness program starting with 10,000 steps a day. That sounds like a terrible case of shin splints in the making. Instead, buy a pedometer for less than $5 and clip it to your belt. Record your step counts every day for one week. At the end of the week, find your average and aim at adding 500 steps per day each week. It is painless and gives immediate feedback as to how you are doing. It is important to focus on activity throughout the day. Reduce the “sitting” time by replacing it with active time.