About thirteen months ago, I bought a FitBit. I had tried a couple of different devices to count my steps (and calories burned and distance walked, etc.), but it was the FitBit that finally was the perfect device for me. I loved the Ultra (now called the One), but the FitBit Zip is the best choice for me because it runs on a watch battery and I don’t have to charge it (which used to mean I would walk off and forgot to wear it so it wasn’t counting my steps).
It has been my goal ever since I got my FitBit to average 10K steps per day, but while I did hit that number on occasion, something always seemed to happen to keep me from recording a 70K step week.
This week I finally did it (see graphic at left). I hit my goal of 70k steps for seven days of walking, and I’m bound and determined to keep my seven day average at that level or above. However, I’m headed off on a trip soon, and who knows if I will make it to the hotel exercise room to use the treadmill. I hope to. I plan to. But the best laid plans and all that. I do have lengthy layovers on the days I fly, coming and going, so hope to get lots of steps in walking around the airport.
I used my FitBit all alone for a long time, then I had someone ask to be my friend on FitBit. Later I learned that some writer friends used the FitBit so we became friends on the FitBit site. Then my daughters both got FitBits so I added two more friends. I have learned that having friends and seeing their averages pushes me. It gets me off the sofa and onto the treadmill. Obviously, I have a semi-competitive nature. Not enough to make me try for 95K steps to be Number 1, but enough to make me happy with my totals. 🙂
Awhile back, I read a book on my Kindle called Thin Body: The Magic of Walking 10,000 Steps. It is a very short informational read. Nothing earth shattering, but I’m glad I took the time to read it. It helped me get my mind focused on this goal. Amazon Prime members can borrow the book for free or you can purchase for $2.99. If you need a little encouragement to get moving, this little book might be the ticket.
America has an obesity problem, and much of that stems from our sedentary lifestyle. Until I got my FitBit, I would have told you with absolute certainty that I was at least moderately active. Well, anything under 5,000 steps a day is considered totally sedentary. Ack! I don’t even want to tell you how few steps I can get on an ordinary work day if I don’t make some effort.
What does it take to get you moving? What’s your favorite form of exercise?
~ robin
