Get on the Good Foot: Challenge Yourself to Take 10,000 Steps a Day
Jodi Davis
| 3 min read
My wish is for you today is to challenge yourself. Actually, I not only wish that you challenge yourself today, but for the remainder of the week. And if you are like the majority of the people who have taken this challenge, you will most likely continue challenging yourself for weeks to come.
What is the challenge? To take 10,000 steps per day.
Many of you may be asking “Just how far is 10,000 steps anyway?” The average person’s stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long. That means it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk one mile (which takes only fifteen minutes), and 10,000 steps is close to 5 miles.
Put It In Perspective
A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day, which is what I’m hoping to change with this challenge. Taking 10,000 steps in a day is a rough equivalent to the Surgeon General’s recommendation to accumulate 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. It should be enough to reduce your risk for disease and help you lead a longer, healthier life… which is really what I’m hoping for!
Now I realize that 10,000 steps per day may sound a slight bit overwhelming at first, so I decided to break it down for you. A day consists of 24 hours, obviously. On average we sleep a total of eight hours, which leaves 16 hours of “awake” time. I did the math — taking 10,000 steps within a 16-hour period averages 625 steps per houror approximately 11 steps per minute. Does that sound more doable?
To keep track, simply use your pedometer. If you don’t own one, pedometers are inexpensive units that you wear on your belt that will record how many steps are taken. They can be purchased online or at most sporting good stores.
Get Started Saturday At This Event
So, are you ready for the challenge? I sure hope so. In fact, I’d love to help you add some steps this weekend! Please mark your calendars to join the fun — and yours truly — at the upcoming “Blues Community Farmers Market Family Health Walk” taking place at the South Lansing Community Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 20.
On this day only, each person completing a 2-mile health walk around the paved path at beautiful Benjamin Davis Park (5614 Pleasant Grove Road, Lansing) receives a $5 Market Money voucher good for fresh fruits and veggies anytime this season at the South Lansing Community Farmers Market, compliments of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Simply register to walk at the BCBSM tent.
Remember that all are welcome to shop at the market, meet local growers and vendors, learn new recipes, stroll along the paved walking trails, enjoy music and youth activities, and visit with neighbors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 24 at Benjamin Davis Park.
Saturday, Aug. 20, also brings the 9th Annual Showcase Community Festival (which includes exhibitors, crafters, music, dancers, a food court, farmers market and children’s tent) opening at noon, just after our walk. The Blues’ Health Walk can be taken anytime between 10 a.m. and noon, and I hope to have the chance to meet you, as I will participating in the Blues Community Farmers Market Family Health Walk, too!
If you have any questions, please visit SouthLansing.org or call (517) 374-5700.
Eat fresh ~ get fit ~ have fun… and continue to CHALLENGE YOURSELF!
Photo by Brimley.
