When I shared my 12 goals for 2014 one of them was to be able to fit into the same jeans I wore 8 years ago when we first moved into our house. The nasty thing about goals is that you usually have to have some sort of plan in place to accomplish them.
Luckily, there is something about inactivity over the past 2 months, bad weather, staying in to bake cookies, and the EAT, EAT, EAT of the holidays that is really motivating me to get up and get moving. I decided the best way for me to shed some pounds without misery is to just increase the amount that I move. I know, it’s not rocket science, but the idea of walking on a treadmill doesn’t appeal to me, so I am going to make sure to integrate more movement into my everyday routine.
I am sure you have heard the whole 10,000 steps a day thing, but if not, here is the basic principle behind it: 10,000 steps roughly equates to 5 miles. That’s right–we should be walking about 5 miles per day, just to complete our daily activities.
The problem is that with office/desk jobs, most people are completing about 3000 steps. So, basically, if you have a sedentary job, you’re going to have to consciously add in a walk or some sort of way to get extra movement. In previous generations, it was nothing to walk that much in a day–and wouldn’t you know it, weight wasn’t really an issue.
I decided to buy a pedometer {this is the one I bought, in case you’re interested} to see how many steps I take in an average day. I’ve been wearing it for the last few days and I’ve been averaging about 8,000 steps just doing normal everyday tasks during the week and about 13,000 steps on the weekends.
I was pleasantly surprised by that number, but still, if I want to fit into those jeans, I guess I might have to aim for a little higher than the 10,000 steps. Well, either that or give up sweets {which I refuse to do}. I’m not going to get crazy about it, but this week I’m going to actually get outside and do some walking. I’m actually kind of looking forward to it–a little fresh air and cardio.
How about you, have you ever tracked your steps? Do you think 10,000 steps a day would work for you?
~Mavis
Kathy says
Ten thousand steps a day DID work for me, and continues to work now. And ive built it up to around 15,000 a day, give or take. I also, at the same time, have cut back on refined white sugar and white flour. In the 2 years I’ve tracked my steps, I’ve lost 100 lbs. and haven’t found one ounce of any of it again. When it’s too cold, snowy, icy or wet outside, I keep it to the property of my apartment complex. Yes, there was a slight change in eating habits (6 small meals instead of the big 3), and cutting of the white sugar and bleached flour, but the occasional slip-and-binge is okay. My doctor said if you crave something, curb it right away otherwise you’ll eat/drink 3 times as much.
You go girl, you’ll fit in those jeans by spring!
Mavis Butterfield says
Way to go Kathy!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Kathy says
Thanks Mavis! 🙂
Jenny says
I bought my pedometer at the end of the year.
I got a ACCUSPLIT AE120XL Pedometer because I didn’t want all the fancy extras.
I’m taking the dog with me on the walks, and we are both going to get in shape.
One of my new year resolutions was that before the year is over
I am going to take her to a “sheep herding class”.
More than likely I will not continue with lessons (too expensive),
but I think she would like to try the experience once.
Bible Babe says
About 3 years ago I lost 62 pounds. I started out walking a mile and a half, plus I changed my food intake to include mostly fresh fruits and veggies, along with lean meats. By the time we moved back to Texas, I had worked up to six miles most days, and three or so on days I was tired or rushed. Since I moved back here, I gained about 30 pounds back, due to not having all the work I had in the mountains. I’m working on adding miles to my walking routine.
Christine says
I have a pedometer app on my iphone – do you think it works the same as a real pedometer. I too want to loose weight and signed up for the gym. I only want to go 3 times a week – so I am looking for other things to do on my days off – walking seems like the option but I wondered if anyone knows if the iphone pedometer app will work or should I break down and buy one?
Thanks!
suzanne hissung says
I have friends that use it and some programs will post on Facebook so I imagine it could give you a good indication. I suppose it depends on your app. Good luck!
Sandy says
I use a fitbit so I can track the steps and my food. I also just recently built a desk for my treadmill so when I get up I read the paper on line and my emails and drink my coffee I can walk slowly for about 1/2 hour – 45 minutes. It works really well and I love it. I get about 4K steps in before I shower in the morning. I’m doing the same thing I was doing before but not sitting on my bottom while I am surfing! Now the rule is if I want to surf the web I have to walk. It’s like a Trex Desk, but way way cheaper (think walmart table and pvc piping!) Hopefully the increased walking will take off a few lbs a month. I don’t have much to lose — but I want to fit in my jeans from five years ago too!
Dawn says
Besides movement, the other big thing is portion control. I decided that after Christmas, I was going to cut my portions in half, and I dropped ten pounds in two weeks. I’m still eating plenty, mind you, and I allow myself seconds of salads and vegetables, just not those main dishes or carbs. I’m fortunate enough to live in So. Cal where its warm (80 today) and I’m able to walk the three round trips to school each day to take my kiddles. That’s three miles that I walk each day without even having to think about it. My size 8’s are calling…
Marti says
You’ve encouraged me to find my pedometer and find out how many steps I take. I always thought it had to be fast walking to get up the heart rate. I do know I spend far too much time just sitting.
Cheryl says
I walk as well, but I take the dogs with me and when I do that, we walk longer and further as I am trying to tire them out.
Gwenn says
Lucy the trouble puggle would love the walk too….a tired dog is a happy dog and doesn’t get into as much trouble (and takes more naps).
Marcia@Frugal Healthy Simple says
I have tracked my steps – bought a pedometer, lost it, found it a few years later. Now I mostly use my phone.
But with a sedentary job and two kids, I don’t tend to get a lot of exercise in my daily life. Most of the 5000 steps I get are around the house. With it being dark early, I’m not able to walk after dinner like I do in the spring and summer.
I am also trying to lose some weight – mostly baby weight. I have to cut calories – I’m 43 and well, ever since I was in my early 30’s I discovered that calorie counting is the only thing that really works for me. My goal for the new year is to make sure I eat a lot of produce, get lots of sleep (hard with an 18 month old), and exercise 6 days a week. My exercise requirements are very minimal – 15 minutes a day is all that I need for it to “count”.
Of course, that’s all out the window right now. My family (all except the 2nd grader) is recovering from the stomach flu. I’m on the saltine, gatorade, and applesauce diet.
Nichole says
I got a fitbit. Now I know how sedentary my desk job really is! I love it because it connects to other friend fitbit users and we can motivate each other.
suzanne hissung says
HH And i have been thinking it’s time to downsize. As much as we love our rural location it’s not very safe for people/dog walking on the main road. Anyone regret this decision?
Subienkow says
I looked quick at the pictures before reading the article, I thought it was a glucometer and was wondering what you were eating!!!
Helen in Meridian says
I will be glad to just buy you a new pair of jeans. Forget the 10 year old jeans.