Do you set aside time to workout each week, but then sit glued to your computer for the rest of the time?
I can easily fall into this trap so I was interested to read a new research review from scientists at the University of Chicago who found that people who exercise regularly but spend the rest of their time sitting, may have an increased risk of getting diabetes, fatty liver disease, or becoming obese.
According to these scientists, physical inactivity is the major cause of these kinds of metabolic diseases in the US. The lead author, John Thyfault, PHD, recommends aiming for 10,000 steps per day, which is the equivalent of five miles. Now before you freak out thinking that there’s no way, on top of what you already do (yoga, the gym etc,) that you can get in 5 miles of walking – it could be easier than you think.
Here are some ways that I get in close to 10,000 steps per day, which incidentally also helps fight heart disease and improves mental well-being.
- Cleaning my floors
- Walking around my home or office when on the phone
- Parking on the far side of the parking lot
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator of escalator
- Taking several quick walks around the block throughout the day, in between meetings, phone calls & writing assignments
- Walking or cycling to the nearest grocery store
- Yard work, which often involves quite a bit of walking, particularly raking up leaves at this time of year!
- Taking the dogs or your friend’s dog for extra walks (they’ll love your forever).
So if you have any more ideas of how to get your 10,000 steps a day , please share – together we can become fitter one day at a time.
