Do you track your steps? That's if you don't get obsessive about it. As you may know, it can be easy to get caught up in the numbers and miss the forest for the trees.
I walk just about every day because the benefits of walking are amazing. {I wrote a blog on the matter here}. Folks discredit walking because it's not intense enough/hardcore enough, and they don't believe in the benefits.
You know what? Those same people are ones that are always injured or can't stay consistent with their fitness routine because they think they have to be in the gym 7 days a week for 2 hours a day. They eventually fizzle out - get into the yo-yo fitness cycle like the yo-yo dieting cycle.
Anywhoodle...
Activity trackers can be a GREAT tool to keep yourself accountable when it comes to getting enough movement during the day. And, even if you haven’t purchased one yet (hello, FitBit, Apple Watch, Garmin and more!) there’s a chance you already own one.
It’s probably with you most of the day, too. It’s your PHONE! Our phones are tracking our steps as well, but I know it can be a nuisance to make sure that you have it on you at all times. It's there to use if you like, or you could even go super old school and get a pedometer - super inexpensive and works just as great!
This week let’s unlock the power of our smartphones to help us get healthier and be more active by using it to track our steps each day.
Studies show that people who get 10,000 or more steps a day are generally healthier, carry less body fat, and have less stress – physically and mentally.
So, there's really no need to run out and get one, unless you were planning on purchasing one already. If you are, this month is probably a great time to get one because they will be on sale due to it being January.
How many steps are YOU getting!? Let’s find out...
Your challenge this week: MORE STEPS every day this week :-)
I love this habit because it's easy to implement and has a low barrier to entry.
Here’s the good news, especially if you work at a job that doesn’t allow you a lot of movement. You don’t have to start out shooting for 10,000 steps.
Turn on your phone and use its built-in apps to find your baseline steps, and then work toward that number over a few weeks.
If you’re getting 3,000 steps a day right now, try boosting that count to 4,000 or 5,000. Add a few more steps every day or week, till you reach 10,000. Eventually, that extra movement will become a habit and that’s a win! Yay!!
Start where you are and work your way up from there — no need to go to zero to 100.
When we implement small steps, or things one at a time, that's how we are able to stay CONSISTENT!
So, here are few tips on adding more movement to your day:
- Set a timer on your phone to get up and move around every hour or so.
- Take a short (even 5-minute) walk in the morning, at lunch, and at night.
- If you work at a desk, take walking meetings if possible. (Instead of sitting down in an office with a coworker, go for a walk!) Not only will it help you accumulate steps, but getting up and moving around can give you a fresh perspective.
If you need help figuring out how to set up your phone, check out these links:
- For an iPhone.
- For an Android phone.
Lastly, I must say you don't have to track your steps to get more movement in if you find yourself getting neurotic about it. Extra movement throughout the day can and should happen with or without a tracker. The key thing here is just to include movement in your everyday life - movement comes in more forms than just steps/walking of course. Either way, with more movement (not just your training sessions) in your life
you're gonna feel so good inside and out!
Are you in ?! If so, reply back to this email and let me know. And as the week goes on, pop into the Sisters in Strength Facebook group and share how the week is going with your steps!
Have a great week!
In Strength,
Xo
Candace
