Worthwhile read on the 10,000 steps trope

Hi my RnY friends! I found this article to be interesting and thought some of you might too!

Cara

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/05/10000-steps-rule/590785/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=atlantic-daily-newsletter&utm_content=20190603&silverid-ref=NDEyNzIwMjc2OTA2S0

Interesting Article overall. I think 10,000 steps is a good goal for most people, but I know that isn't easy for some people.

I found the origin of this belief to be interesting. I agree that it's a good goal. Most people in decent health can work up to that amount, even if at first it seems daunting. Knowing that big benefits kick in at a significantly lower step count is helpful too, though personally I love to walk!

I use 10k steps as my goal and it really motivates me to get off my bum

I started off with a goal of 6k, which was doable, now, most days I'm in the 11-13k range. It helps that my partner also counts and we're a little competitive .

Anything that gets you moving is awesome for your health, especially as we age

100% true! Moving and retaining lots of flexibility keeps people more youthful and happier, too, I think. I like that you and your partner compete for whose step count is higher!

When I feel ok, just house chores, plus running around at work, I get 10,000 steps.

But there was studies that show that not just any steps, but being outside, hopefully in "a green space", just 15min per day, can be more beneficial for real health, BP, BS than 30- 40 min in gym. These positive effects are stronger when "exercise"- activity is done with a friendly person, or a family mrmber. I.e going for a walk after dinner and reconnecting with someone we care, can provide more health benefits that strenuous exercise in a gym.

I don't have the studies, but I can find it.

What you wrote makes total sense to me!

I think 10k steps is a good beginning goal. It just doesn't work for me. I cant remember the last time I even looked at "steps".

Just for example, today my exercise will consist of a 1 mile swim this morning and cycling probably 20 miles tonight. I wont come close to 10k steps today. My Garmin tracks steps, its just not what I use. I use Strava and its great for exercise tracking. Also, when I run, its about miles and not steps.

However, my wife is a teacher (and RNY patient 2 years before me) and likes her Fitbit... so her and her teacher friends love tracking steps and competing against each other. Those walks up and down the halls add up quick.

Your exercise sounds great! In the end, the point isn't steps but rather, just to move! I'm always surprised at how quickly those steps add up. I like that walking is a load-bearing activity too - good for our bones. I have never been a runner and I hurt one of my knees a few weeks ago by accidentally slamming into it hard with a heavy glass perfume bottle. Wow, that hurt! That knee protests painfully when I climb hills, but hopefully that will abate in time. I also don't own a bike, but I love getting my outside on with a good walk! I wish I had a pool so I could swim free from the eyes of any potential onlookers. There are tons of beaches and rivers here though - I am too in need of plastics to embrace wearing even a modest bathing suit, but I could go in with some other sort of less revealing clothing on...It's something to think about!

Our gym has a indoor lap pool that I use. It stays at @82 degrees every day, even in the winter..I like it because its very low impact. I use it in between my running or cycling..