We all know the benefits that walking has: improved mood, decreased stress, and boosted fitness results. If you’re a part of the Fitbit world, you know the goal of hitting 10,000 steps a day. And although hitting that goal every day is essential, there are a lot of other components that go along with it.
Ten thousand steps seem like a plausible goal, but if you work at a desk and spend a majority of the day sitting down, hitting that goal can be difficult. And although getting 10,000 steps in a day is an accomplishment in itself, there are a few other things you have to take into consideration.
One: Time. Studies have shown walking faster has the same results as walking more steps. Walking 10,000 steps in one time frame and 5,000 steps in half that time frame lead to the same weight loss results.
Two: Speed. Instead of focusing on how far you are walking, focus on how fast you’re walking. You might not be able to get in 10,000 steps in one day- which might take an entire day to do so- but doing two sets of 10-minute power walks would do the same trick. Try to do 100 steps per minute. That’s just one minute out of your life, a time frame you can fit in right from the comfort of your cubicle. One hundred steps per minute would result in 2.5 to 3 miles per hour. Do 100 steps per minute for several minutes throughout the day, and you’ll find yourself reaping all the similar benefits as if you walked 10,000 steps in one day overall.
If you can hit 10,000 steps in one day, great! But if that’s not feasible for you and your lifestyle, it’s certainly not something to stress over. Focus on your time and speed, rather than a number on your Fitbit. What’s important is that you’re getting up and getting active. It can be easy to fall into a slump at your desk and find yourself sitting for the entire day without realizing it. Make a conscious effort to take a few minutes out of your day- whether it’s in one or ten-minute intervals- to get up from your chair and get moving. You’ll find your mood increased and your stress lessened, all by just taking a walk.
