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March On!

Home / Blog / March On!
2
Mar

 

During a recent conversation with my Mum, she mentioned that the NHS recommended that we should all aim to take 10,000 steps a day.

While you might think you move a lot already, most people who work in desk-bound jobs only take between 3,000 and 4,000 steps a day.

My Mum exercises 3 to 5 times a week. Her varied workout schedule typically includes an outdoor bootcamp, a spin class and two sessions with a personal trainer.

On the days she works out, while she takes a lot of steps during her classes, she is clearly more sedentary at other times of the day.

While an hour of exercise a day is a great start, this doesn’t mean we should sit around for the rest of the day. Why not  walk to the shops or stroll around the park? I would highly recommend investing in a pedometer as a great way of keeping tabs on how much you are moving.

What if I don’t do any exercise at the moment?


If you’re new to exercise, no one expects you to be pacing out 10,000 steps on your first day. As long you are increasing your steps each week, then you will be heading in the right direction.

If you are worried about starting an exercise program, speak to your GP first.


10,000 steps sounds a lot, how can I fit all that walking into my busy day?


 Here are some ways to get more exercise during everyday activities:

  • Walk to the station instead of taking the car or bus
  • Walk the children to school, even if it’s a bit rainy
  • Walk the dog
  • Collect the paper rather than having it delivered

A good way to stay on track is to find a walking partner. When you’re having a chat as you walk, it makes the time go faster and it’s much more enjoyable. For walks on your own, download a podcast or listen to your favourite music – remember this is your time!


Is walking enough? Or should I think about other exercise as well?


If you’re walking 3 to 5 times a week and working towards 10,000 steps every day, after a while your body will become more efficient. That’s when you can start to think about doing more.

We start losing muscle mass from our thirties onwards, so, taking an exercise class can help balance this by building lean muscle as you get fitter and stronger. There are lots of exercise classes in Sittingbourne
and, as summer approaches, you could take a class outdoors or maybe even walk
to class to increase your daily steps ;-)

Pedometer recommendation - http://www.boots.com/en/Tanita-Pedometer-PD-637_15018/

Charlotte
Top to Toe Fitness Classes
www.toptotoefitness.co.uk




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