Walking 15,000 steps a day can seem like an unachievable goal when you first take up the challenge. When I bought a pedometer and started monitoring my step count I though that 10,000 steps a day was a lot and I had to pay attention to make sure that I hit my mark.
Then I decided to up the number to 15,000 steps a day and it was a little overwhelming at first. I would often find myself 5,000 steps short at 10 o’clock at night, which meant a 50-minute walk with my dog when my couch was calling its siren song.
Since I was committed I soon figured out that I didn’t want to have to take such a long walk every night if I chose not to and found little ways to get my steps count up during the day (mostly by driving less). And then, all of a sudden, walking 15,000 steps a day became as easy as 10,000 steps and those fun days when I pass 20,000 are effortless.
When it comes to your body, you either use it or lose, a terribly accurate cliché. You need to use it a lot and not stop using it. There might even reach a time where walking is the only exercise option that remains. The more steps you have under your belt when that day comes the easier the rest of your days will be. Adding steps on a daily basis can also have the added benefit of helping with weight control. According to Dr. James O. Hill, of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado if you add just 2000 more steps a day you may never gain another pound.
Get a pedometer and try walking 10,000 steps a day. If that seems doable step it up to 15,000 steps a day and you might be amazed at how easy it can get. And then, if you add into the mix learning how to walk correctly, you might be able to add some days, months, or even years to your life span.
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