My day job has an amazing wellness program that offers a lot of different opportunities for employees to stay healthy on and off the job.  I have been participating on this committee since 2009 and one of our biggest events each year is the Pedometer Challenge.  Each employee volunteers to sign up for this competition and receives a free pedometer to use for the month.  The goal is to hit at least 10,000 steps a day or more and log each day.  The logs are collected each week and tallied.  We compete against other business units within the company and a trophy is earned by the business unit that logs the most steps.  During the last challenge I was able to win the top prize because I dedicated myself 100% to the competition.  This time will be a little bit different because I have not only myself to take care of but my son.  My goal is to hit at least 20,000 steps/day.  If I am able to hit this goal I will be awarded a $50 Nike gift card.  I think that’s a pretty good incentive.  Some of the ways that I plan to increase my mileage is by waking  up and running before work (and before anyone in my house is awake), walking on my breaks and/or lunchtime, walking the dog after work, and going on a run in the evening with the jogging stroller.  I’m going to log my measurements before and after to see if I lose any inches during this challenge.  Yes, you can lose weight very quickly with diet but exercise will allow you to change the shape of your body and that’s why I’m not using the scale as a part of my measurement.

Hips (butt) – 39.5 inches

Chest – 30 inches

Waist – 29 inches

Arm (left) – 10.5 inches

Thigh (left) – 23.5 inches

Calf (left) – 14.75 inches

I challenge you to try this challenge for at least 3-weeks.  It takes 3-weeks to make a habit.  Push yourself to get moving.  Walking is one of the simplest, safest, and cheapest ways to exercise.  You can obtain a pedometer at any store (i.e. wal-mart, target, sports chalet, etc.).  They range in price from $5-$40.  Log your steps each night and strive to hit 10,000 steps/day.  And at the end of the month reward yourself with a massage or gift card to your favorite store.  Why 10,000 steps?  The Surgeon General recommends that adults get at least 10,000 steps per day.  Increasing your activity level is a great way to help prevent and reduce the effects of obesity and heart disease.  The average person’s stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long. That means it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk one mile, and 10,000 steps is close to 5 miles.  If you are in very poor physical condition or at any point you feel that you are progressing too rapidly, slow down a bit and try smaller increases. If you have any health concerns seek your physician’s advice prior to starting or changing your exercise routine.   Good Luck!