10,000 Steps A Day

Walking is the new Black !

A growing body of experts, in almost every field, are coming to the conclusion that walking and exercise is better for you.

• The British Heart Foundation say that 10,000 steps a day (about five miles) can give you a healthy heart and reduce body fat.
• The National Institute for Clinical Excellence say that exercise may be a better prescription for people with mild to moderate depression.
• American experts believe that exercise stimulates brain cell regeneration, increasing one's sense of purpose and thus helping to overcome depression
  
• American experts believe that exercise stimulates brain cell regeneration, increasing one's sense of purpose and thus helping to overcome depression .
• People who exercise, as opposed to those who take the passive route of pills, felt a greater sense of mastery over themselves.
• AND - there are no side effects to exercise as there can be with drugs (other than some stiff muscles for the first time !)
  

Exercising 3 to 5 times a week for at least half an hour releases endorphins, the hormones in your body that make you feel good, and leave you with a feeling of natural euphoria. So good is this feeling, that when you stop, you miss it. Thus you are eager for your next session. Can't beat that for motivation !!

There's a strong body of opinion that if you can endeavor to walk 10.000 steps a day - this can keep you healthy. An easy and enjoyable way to improve and maintain good health and prolong your life. The British Heart Foundation quotes that 37% of coronary heart disease deaths are related to inactivity, compared to 19% related to smoking !! Most people walk around 4,500 steps a day.

Try gradually increasing your daily steps by 500 for a week.

On your second week, add another 500 steps per day to take you to 5,500 daily steps.

Each week, add more steps and before you know it, 10,000 steps a day will be well within your stride :-)

Wearing a pedometer is an easy way to track your steps each day. Clip one onto your belt or pocket when you get up in the morning and wear it until bedtime. 

Your daily total is electronically recorded and accumulated so each day and each week you can watch your achievement grow ! There are loads of ways to increase your daily walking :

• Take walks with a partner 
• Walk the dog
• Use stairs instead of a lift
• Walk to the shops
• Get up to change the TV channel
• Do a little gardening
• Take time out in your lunch-hour to walk around

And you'll be surprised how many steps you take just walking around the home or work !!

You will very soon begin to feel and notice the difference in how you feel, your health, your stamina and your energy levels !

If you are in very poor physical condition or at any point you feel that you are progressing too rapidly slow down a bit and try smaller increases.

If you have any health concerns seek your doctor's advice prior to starting or changing your exercise routine.

See our recommended range of confortable walking footwear here