10,000 steps

I’ve read on several sites that the average sedentary person takes between 1000 and 3000 steps a day. There’s some Surgeon General recommendation to walk 10,000 steps a day. 10,000 steps seems like it guarantees good health. That’s equivalent to walking a couple of miles.

I decided to give the ‘ole pedometer a whirl this week. Started Sunday. I ran 1.5 miles on the track, walked .25 miles. I walked up to Haywood Road and back with Kenny (roughly 3/4 to 1 mile each way) and I walked my dogs through the neighborhood – the long way. I walked through the grocery story, every where I thought I could get decent walking in. I began my walking journey sometime in the morning and reached 10,000 steps at 5:15. I finished the day at 11,000 steps.

Monday, I worked. I took two short walks, one at lunch and another around 3:00. Walked to the bank, walked around the Grove Arcade. Came home, walked the dogs – again, the long way. Got desperate and jogged in place in the apartment. Did jumping jacks. Walked in place in front of the t.v. I reached 8,200 steps.

Tuesday – today – worked again. Was in forever long meetings, but I did walk to the parking lot twice today. I hopped on the treadmill tonight, did just over 2 miles on the thing. Walked home. I’m at 6500 steps for the day.

I think my pedometer is broken….and I’m tired now. Really tired. I’m not sure if I have it (the pedometer) set incorrectly or maybe it doesn’t count all steps (as in it’s only counting when I step with my right foot and not my left? Should I double the number?) I don’t like to think of myself as unhealthy or inactive. I don’t want to be sedentary. I want to achieve the magical number of 10,000, but I think I may die of too much exercise if I keep it up. Is there such a thing as too much exercise??