Just how easy is that magical number to reach?
We've enlisted Jackie Preston, a 40 year old desk jockey to help us. Using a pedometer to count her steps and keeping a diary for the next 7 days we'll see if she can step up to the 10,000 steps goal.
A week in the life of Jackie;
"With my trusty G-sensor pedometer clipped on my waist I set off to work. During my drive a little self-doubt crept in, I spend most of my day sitting in front of a computer - this might be a little tougher that I first thought."
Day 1. 4,851 steps
"I'm feeling a little shocked! Today was a typical day. I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. I drove to work, and spent most of day sitting in my office, only getting up to make a couple cups of coffee, attended a meeting. The most active 10 minutes of my day was popping out to collect a sandwich at lunchtime. It didn't get much better after heading home for the day, I spent a little time hand watering the garden before flopping in front of the TV before heading to bed. 4,000 steps is a long way from 10,000!
On the upside, I'm half way to my target- my goal for tomorrow is simple - do a few more steps then yesterday."
Day 2. 8,653
"Today, I decided to think of ways to increase my steps count. I parked the car in a different car bay instead of parking near the entrance. I also volunteered to collect the office mail and managed to share a lunchtime walk with a friend instead of chatting over coffee. I made a conscious effort to take more steps (thanks to my pedometer). Instead of sending an email I walked to my colleagues office - it was actually nice to discuss things face to face.
Today I made great progress, but I still need to make more changes to reach my 10,000 steps goal."
Day 3. 10,436
"I was a women on a mission today! Not only did I park further away from the office today, I wore my runners and did a lap around the complex's car park before going inside. The walk before work was really energising, I felt in control, alert and ready to tackle a busy workday.
I teamed up with a couple of ladies from the office next door and joined them for a brisk walk during my lunch break. It was refreshing to meet new people, we all made a promise to walk with togther 3 times a week.
Focusing on increasing my steps makes my day in the office go so much faster and I've noticed today that I actually don't want that snack as soon as get home in the evening. I really happy I've reached my 10,000 steps target."
Day 4. 11,283
"I always think I'm too busy to exercise, but increasing my steps has been more fun and easier then I expected. Today, I didn't even think twice about walking around the complex car park before heading inside. Even though I had meetings for most of the day I kept finding ways to keep moving I'm determined not to fall back into my inactive days.
After work I collected my partner from the airport, instead of sitting and waiting in one spot I took the opportunity to walk around the airport lounge and lobby. Instead of grumbling about the wait I felt like I was contributing to the new healthier me!"
Day 5 15,481
"What a difference a little bit of effort makes. Today I got out of bed 30 minutes earlier than normal (unheard of- but I actually wanted to!!) and hit the pavement for a brisk walk around the block - it felt so good - physically and mentally!
At work I still took a lap around the complex and make a note to jump up every two hours to stretch my legs. A couple of times I talked on the phone standing up and walked around my desk. Everyone is starting to ask about my step count, I think secretly they want my pedometer!
The pedometer has certainly kept me focused.
Day 6 10,072
"I was a little worried about today, being the weekend I didn't want to fall off the walking wagon.
Saturday is shopping day, Instead of fighting for the closest car park to the supermarket I chose to park further away. I even walked the trolley back to the supermarket (I was able to do this as I didn't have kids with me:). I powered through the washing and cleaning with the music turned up to keep my energy levels high. By days end I was happy with reaching just over 10,000."
Day 7 13,755
"Today, I piled everyone into the car and drove to Kings Park for a walk, the promise of ice-cream when my pedometer clocked over 8,000 steps was enough to put a spring in everyone's step. You know the couple of hours spent outside felt great. We laughed, talked and walked- it didn't feel like exercise at all!
I 've had a great seven days, very proud of my achievement. 10,000 steps sounded like such a big number when I first started. Now I see small opportunities be more active all the time, they quickly add up and Bingo I hit my step goal!
Oh yeah, I'm not giving pedometer back"
With a little planning and a 'Can do attitude' you too can reach your 10,000 step daily goal. Don't wait another day, get up and out the door today!
Co-Author
Kate Crosby, Co -founder WalkingwithAttitude.com inspiring everyone to walk towards a healthier lifestyle with online walking programs and workplace 10,000 step challenges.
Happy Reading!