People, who work 16 hour days, often find it very difficult to find the time and the stamina to participate in a regular exercise program. There seems to be little desire to add the time it takes to visit the gym, go to the basement to use the equipment purchased (with the best of intentions), or to even walk the dog.
We all know the facts: 60% of Americans are overweight. Sitting on the couch causes extra pounds. The statistics go on and on, including risks for heart disease, diabetes and any number of frightening maladies. This is why so many groups, organizations and businesses are so successful in the exercise and weight loss industry in today’s society.
We can’t do it alone. We need a push. We need support. We need something to help us make it easy. Unfortunately, we know what we need to do, but the everyday challenges of life are used as an excuse to stick to our fitness goals.
This brings us to the easiest and supposedly the best kind of exercising according to most experts: walking. This is an easy form of exercise. You don’t need to incorporate it into your day. You already walk all day long. This is how people get from one place to another. Fast, slow, do it alone or do it with someone; walking can be accomplished anywhere! But here’s the best part; it can be done in your workplace!
The idea is to count your steps. There is an inexpensive little gadget called a pedometer that hooks to your clothing that can count how many steps throughout your entire day. Based on the amount of steps, this device can motivate you to track the distance walked and also count the calories being burned during the day. And with the many styles of pedometers available, prospective walkers can choose any of the many features that may excite and motivate them; some even talk!
What you will discover is that once the pedometer is attached, you will become conscious of the amount of walking done during the day and many times will push do more. Just to see the pedometer’s digital count rise higher than the day before. Very quickly you will find yourself trying to come up with ways to make the numbers on the tool move.
Park further away from the front door of your office.
Use the stairs.
Take the long way around to visit a co-worker, mailroom, or cafeteria.
Walk during your lunch break.
Walk during your snack break.
Pace as you think.
Walk more.
If you are the type of person who needs a partner to exercise or walk with, or if you are the competitive type, buying two pedometers to include someone else in your office fitness is a great idea. Please don’t compete to the point of hurting your work performance. Comparing distances and ideas for making the numbers move can be fun. And the whole time, you will be getting into shape and motivate all in one shot. Incorporate your exercise program into your work day by counting your steps.