What if I told you I had the secret to managing your weight, reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes, controlling your blood pressure, decreasing your risk of heart attack, boosting your good cholesterol, lowering your risk of stroke, decreasing your risk of breast cancer, avoiding your need for gallstone surgery, and protecting you against hip fractures? The list goes on, this secrect prevents depression, colon cancer, constipation, osteoporosis, impotence, lengthens lifespan, lowers stress levels, relieves arthritis and back pain, strengthens muscles, bones, and joints, improves sleep, elevates overall mood and sense of well-being. Would you want it? Would you run right out and buy whatever I told you? You don't need to buy anything - it's FREE! Walking! Walking leads to all of the above benefits and best of all most people can do it.
I heard a sad statistic; on average, adult Americans walk only 5,000 steps a day. Young American children walk between 12,000 and 15,000 steps a day, at least they are on the right track.
Look, we don't have to knock ourselves out with sweat dripping workouts. Yes, those are good for strengthening our hearts, but if we would just move more we would see some tremendous results. I know you have heard it before - park further away, take the stairs, etc. It is true - it all adds up.
Our goal should be at least 10,000 steps a day, which equals 5 miles. That might sound like a lot, but when we start taking two trips to get the groceries out of the car instead of loading ourselves down like pack mules, we'll get there quickly. (You know you've done it - I have!)
One night this week I decided to walk around the inside of my home everytime a commercial came on television. AAAHHH!!! I walked for over 25 minutes - there are TOO MANY COMMERCIALS! However, I didn't get out of breath, I didn't sweat, I didn't get exhausted. I just walked. During that 2 hour television program I could have sat on my duff and burned 120 calories or by simply walking during the commercials I burned 235. It's not going to burn off a Big Mac, but every bit helps.
So lace up your shoes and take the 10,000 step challenge. Move, move, move and eat intentionally!
P.S. I would like to respond to "K's" comment on the Negative Thinking post. "K" if you read this, please email me at "cindy@functionalfitnessonline.net". I would love to offer you some help, however I need more information.
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2 comments:
Well said, Cindy! I hope that some who read your blog will find the title just the motivating factor they need. It works too. A friend of mine is not able to do any other type of exercise yet, but by walking and eating healthily, she has lost over 50 pounds in about 6 months. I am encouraging her to add some small hand weights, thus burning a few more calories. Her attitude has changed from very negative, to a new positive outlook.
Oh man someday I will get your voice out of my head! LOL Actually I love it! You are always right, and you can tell S I said that:) Love your web site.
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