After having a perfectly good smart phone and not being able to justify the purchase of a new one for about 4 years, I recently joined technology’s modern world and bought an iPhone 6.
Among it’s many features, it came preloaded with an App that counts how many steps you take during the course of the day. I had heretofore resisted fitness bracelets and other monitors because I felt that electronic devices were already intruding into too much of my life. I also felt that I had enough feedback to let me know that my lifestyle was healthy since I’m maintaining my desired weight, not taking any medications, and pursuing a more vigorous work and play schedule than most people.
Now I have the evidence. Walking or running at least 10,000 steps a day is generally regarded as ideal for optimal health considerations including improved longevity and avoidance of undesired weight gain. Since succumbing to using the new App, I have found that I can easily meet or exceed that total on days when I both go to work (which includes a 4-block walk to and from the train as well as a stair climb to my second floor office). Even on days when I go to work but not the gym or vice versa, my activity level results in an acceptable 7,000-8,000 steps.
Last Sunday, however, I had a really sedentary day. It wasn’t a work day, and it was one of my days off from the gym. The grandchildren didn’t come over so i didn’t even have the opportunity for in impromptu soccer game. I read the paper, watched football, and spent some time on the computer. At the end of the day, I hadn’t even taken 3,000 steps.
I’m not too concerned about it. Those kinds of days are rare for me. I am concerned, however, about the fact that many people spend every day in such a sedentary manner – oven though they are not confined to a bed or wheelchair. In other words, their normal day’s activity involves only about 25% of the recommended number of steps that are recommended for the maintenance of good health. In addition, some may be further undermining their health by have poor eating habits and ineffective ways of managing stress.
Do you know how sedentary you are? If you have an App or fitness bracelet you can measure it. Even if you don’t (and you are physically able to do so), get up and get moving. Walking is a great form of exercise as well as taking you away from sources of stress and giving you an opportunity to enjoy the environment. I’ve also found it to be a terrific time to do creative thinking.