The IMPORTANCE OF YOUR DAILY STEP COUNT
When it comes to being fit and healthy, we’re often reminded to aim to walk 10,000 steps per day. This can be a frustrating target to achieve, especially when we’re busy with work and other commitments. Most of us know by now that 10,000 steps is recommended everywhere as a target to achieve and yet where did this number actually come from?
Why 10,000 steps specifically?
For many, 10,000 is a reasonable target because it's ambitious but attainable. However, depending on your lifestyle, 10,000 may seem like quite a mountain to climb. If you struggle to reach even 5,000, set a lower goal to start with and then work your way up that mountain of a challenge.
The number 10,000 established itself in the 1960s when a Japanese company started selling pedometers called manpo-kei, which literally translates to "10,000-step meter." Later, studies confirmed that people who take 10,000 steps have lower blood pressure, more stable glucose levels and better moods. The number quickly caught on.
What are the benefits?
There are plenty of benefits of walking more. The Heart Foundation says walking can:
· Boost your energy
· Help aid relaxation and clear your mind
· Provide a sense of achievement and satisfaction
· Improve confidence and mood
· Help manage your weight
· Promote healthier blood cholesterol and blood pressure
· Build stronger bones and muscles
· Reduce your risk of heart attack
How to make a start?
Most importantly, you do not have to complete all 10,000 steps in one go. That is definitely not the purpose of the challenge. The best way to both initially approach and implement it into your working day, is to break it up throughout the day in ways such as:
· Take the stairs or a longer route to your destination.
· Take a moving break or post meal walk.
· Introduce walking meetings with colleagues or Pacing the office during a business call
· Drink lots of water (as many trips to the bathroom the better).
There are plenty of ways to keep a track of your daily steps, whether it be an application on your mobile phone or a fitness tracker (smart watch or monitor). Even if you start off by committing to it a couple of days a week, it's a great start in the right direction.
