It’s hard for me to believe or understand, why, in 2019, people continue to smoke. Wasn’t cancer linked to smoking back in the 70’s, like 40 years ago? I realize that nicotine is addicting and it’s a difficult habit that people seriously struggle to stop; but knowing what we know, how does someone under 40 even have the notion to start smoking, let alone stay with it?
Today’s public health officials are saying that sitting is the new smoking. In 40 years from now, some blogger will be writing about how they can’t believe so many people sit for as long as they do knowing the health risks!
We all know the negative effects of inactivity and with all the technological advances of our society, we have the capability to be lazier than we have ever been throughout history. Sitting has taken over the as the #1 health threat that is preventable by simply making better choices. Just like choosing to or not to smoke has been over the last 40 years.
Kids and adults alike, obviously have too much screen time, which promotes inactivity and poor health. Meanwhile, health professionals suggest a dose of 10,000 steps per day to counter our lack of activity. Even those people who set aside time to exercise spend the rest of their day sitting. Those who do not exercise at all spend the entire day in an inactive state. Sarge Fitness Boot Camp clients take somewhere between 1,200-2,200 steps in one typical hour which leaves close to 8,000 for the rest of the day. Without a plan, without intent, it’s pretty much impossible to take 8,000 more steps.
On a personal note, when I purchased a fitness watch, it was important to me to find one that counted steps throughout the day. After using it a short time, I found 10,000 steps per day was not much of a challenge; especially on days that I went for a run. Instead of 10,000, I set a goal of 16,000 per day. I have been able to run my streak to over 30+ days but there are other times where I do not hit my daily goal. However, my average continues to remain close to 20,000 per day. One of my clients has set herself a goal of 20,000 steps per day; and she has a current streak of more than 100 days in a row!
It is possible… even vital to your overall health and well-being. If you are like me and have trouble understanding people who smoke but you are not getting close to the suggested number of steps per day, then find ways to increase your daily step count. Take a walk after dinner (your dog will love that). Take a walk before work. Walk your kids to school. Take phone calls while walking around your office. Most of all, purchase a fitness tracker and challenge yourself to become more active!
