One generally hears an avid runner telling approximately how many miles they put on during their run for the day and yet hardly anyone tells you how many steps they accomplished. What I’ve found is that most pedometers you can purchase these days have a “mode” setting that allows you to check both categories (miles and steps).
This is all fascinating to me because I’ve never really thought about the conversion factor before. I happened to be more than normally observant one afternoon in finding that “mode” button and was totally surprised when I pushed it and found that the 10,000 steps I was doing my best to get done five times a week was actually five miles! Wow!
To sound more impressive to my family and friends I can now relate that I accomplished 12,500 steps for the day, and if I don’t get a reaction I want, I’ll arrogantly mention; that’s six and one-quarter miles. This will generally get the slightly raised eyebrows and the “that’s great” reaction I was initially looking for.
The thing about 10,000 steps or five miles done on a routine basis, along with a corresponding healthy diet, is a good way to get your metabolism working efficiently to lose and maintain a healthy weight.
If you’re going to begin a health and exercise program, you should always “OK” it with your doctor before you begin. I am mostly walking those 10,000 steps right now and will work into running once again as I gradually get stronger and begin to lose some of the weight I want to take off.
I began this program because my former workplace includes their retirees and encourages their participation in the health programs they offer, and I always check it out with my doctor before beginning because I’m a Type-2 diabetic and have a few considerations to think about when I work out hard.
Remember that a pedometer is a nice device to have when checking out your activity level and most of the ones on the market today have a “mode” button to show you either miles or steps. 10,000 steps a day is my approved goal, and you should check with your doctor to see what your goal might be. It could be that 6,000 steps a day, four days a week is where you should be starting and checking with your doctor is important for deciding.
Have a great walk or run, and don’t forget to brag a little about your accomplishments toward staying fit and healthy.
