You’ve heard it a thousand times—get 10,000 steps a day for optimal health.
It’s a magical number, right?
But what if I told you this number didn’t come from scientists in white lab coats but from a clever marketing campaign?
Yep!
Japan was buzzing with excitement right after the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.
A company introduced a shiny new gadget called the Manpo-kei. In Japanese, “Manpo” means 10,000 steps, and “Kei” means meter.
The 10,000 steps goal was born, not in a lab but in a boardroom!
Surprisingly, there’s no definitive study proving that walking 10,000 steps daily makes you healthier.
It’s no wonder we feel confused about health advice sometimes!
Clients often ask me about the exact amount of exercise they need. I smile and say, “It depends on you!”
It’s true. Personalized lifestyle medicine starts with where you are right now.
If you have a goal to increase your exercise, here’s what I recommend:
- Track your steps for a week and find your average.
- Set a new goal to walk a bit more than your current average.
- Voilà, a personalized plan just for you!
And strength training? I hear you.
Many midlife women tell me, “I need to lift dumbbells at the gym for my bones.”
I reply, “Not necessarily! You can do yoga, Pilates, or a HIIT workout using your body-weight. You get to think outside the gym box!”
Here’s one recommendation you can stick to: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense exercise a week.
That’s 30-minutes of moderate exercise 5 days/week or 25-minutes of intense exercise 3 days/week.
Ahh – doesn’t that feel more manageable?
👏🏻 You don’t have to count steps.
👏🏻 You can strength train in a way that works for you.
👏🏻 You can workout at the level of intensity that feels best in YOUR body.
And the best workout? One you can stick to.
Have FUN with your workout!
Especially now that it’s hot outside.
🧘🏽Try a new yoga or Pilates class indoors with the A/C.
🌊 Splash around in your pool to some upbeat music.
🚶🏼♂️Dust off your treadmill, put on your favorite show and walk!
Let me know how you plan to jazz up your fitness plan and track your progress. I always love to hear from you and am happy to support you in any way I can.
Schedule a free 20-Minute Health Strategy Call HERE and let’s chat about how you can feel better than you have in years!
Need some support with feeling like your best self?
Know that I am always here to support you. Simply connect with me.
DISCLAIMER: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to you to educate you about nutrition and as a self-help tool for your own use. It is not medical advice. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. For my full Disclaimer, please click here.