10,000 steps

[Whatawoman]

A lot of research has showed that 10,000+ steps a day is the way to keep weight off and to be aceptably fit.

Last year I tried this thinking it is an easy number to reach -  I have a toddler shouldn't be a problem -  what I didn't account for is we do a lot of cooking, art work, reading, all sitting at the table.....

For a week I wore a pedometer and just did my normal routine not trying to increase my steps I was shocked to see I did an average of 5673 steps a day.....

So I activly increased my steps and made sure that I achieved the 10,000 min a day not including any other exercise time -  I took it off for my fitness time or my gym time..... It was a hard slog to begin with and something I had to be very consious about -  but by about a month in I could do it without thinking. My best tool was putting on a good dancable to cd.. my favourite is the Alley Macbeal 1st series CD by Vonda Sheppherd. and I would jsut dance away everytime I would usually sit doing nothing.....

Of course as with every other good intention it slipped as did my gym membership, my health eating and yep the pounds piled back on..... so Monday (always start on a Monday) I am going abck to wearing my pedometer and counting my steps....

Here is a good site if you are interested in trying this .... http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html

[Whatawoman]

There are so many ways to lose weight, get fit and tone up -  the key is working out what works best for you -  I think the budy system sounds a great idea :)

[Irishgal2]

Hi Helen,

Look at my recent journal entry.  I got a diet buddy in my best friend and it is really helping me.  Don't get me wrong, I still eat some bad things, but I am also eating healthy, drinking water and getting exercise.  Unfortuantely I am still a picker but at least because I have to send my friend my weekly food intake every week and so she sends me her's, it is a bit like big brother watching you, picking up you're bad habits and encouraging you.  I tend to think a little more before I stuff last extra biscuit into my face.  It also helps when you are a buddy to keep you going when you will fall off the wagon at home and give up.  Maybe this will help you a bit.