America is becoming obese at a dangerous rate and the world is following close behind. Eat more, watching satellite tv, and exercising less or getting no exercise at all. Our health in a steep decline and doctor and hospital visits at all time highs. Just a quick 30-minute walk a day can begin to change this situation.
You name it, we have and worse. Heart and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke by controlling blood sugar levels, diabetes, obesity, and many others. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends getting at least 20-30 minutes of moderate activity each day and many of us fall far short of even that.
Studies show the average person takes about 3000-5000 steps per day, and some even much less. Let’s face it, we just have to exercise our ancestors did a hundred years and we tend to eat more refined foods. For some of us, most of the steps we take are from the armchair in front of the TV to the fridge so we can fill up on snacks. For others, like myself, we sit at a computer all day, as part of our jobs.
Many fitness experts recommend walking 10,000 steps a day keep the weight of our overall good health. 10,000 steps is about five miles, give or take, depending on the length of your stride. You must purchase and wear a pedometer to count how many steps you take each day. Follow the instructions that usually come with a pedometer. Do this for a week or two and get a good average count step. Your goal is to get 10,000 or more steps every day. There is nothing magical about 10,000 but will put you in the right platform.
In general, the person will burn about 100 calories by walking one mile, depending on age, size and fitness level. The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn.
Get creative about ways to increase your steps. At work, go for walks in the afternoon. Go for walks with your spouse or your children. Walk the dog. Walk to the store instead of driving, or park on the edge of the parking lot. Use the stairs instead of elevators. For me I am very fast 2-mile walks around the neighborhood twice a day everyday (aerobic walking). Simply do what is best for yourself, but do it! You need good shoes and socks to prevent injury when walking for exercise (such as aerobic walking).
