“You Think KFC’S Still Open?”
No, not that kind of streaking. We want to challenge you to a different kind of streak. (Hopefully, most of you caught the Old School reference).
March is rapidly approaching, which means that most people who set some sort of New Year’s resolution have likely given up on them. We want to offer you a little motivational bump.
Alarming State of Sedentary Living
The average American only walks approximately 4,000-5,000 steps per day; well short of the recommended 10,000. 10,000 steps per day is widely considered to be a good baseline standard for assessing how active someone is during their day. Regular exercise is great for the average gym goer, but unfortunately, many people who go to the gym for an hour a day are still largely sedentary for the remainder of the day.
Regular physical activity is the best medicine. You can eat the best “diet” in the world and spend hundreds of dollars each month in supplements, but if you are not physically active you are missing out on the biggest aspect of overall health.
Let’s start a streak of activity together.
What Are We Talking About?
Beginning today (February 24) we are challenging everyone who receives this email to get out and get more active by performing the most basic and functional human movement of all…….walking! Walking is the most foundational of human movements. It improves heart health, metabolism, leg strength, and is a strong predictor of overall lifespan and health span.
Steps:
- Download the STRAVA app on your smart phone. The free version will work just fine, no need to upgrade to premium.
- Follow Anna Denton, and Matt Hartenburg and we will follow you as well to encourage you along your journey.
- Log a minimum of TWO miles walking each day on the strava app.
- See how long you can keep a streak going. No matter how busy life gets, log your two miles a day (minimum).
Strategies:
We understand that 2 miles a day may seem like a lot if you aren’t a regular walker, but we promise it is a lot more attainable than you realize.
- Simply go for a 20-30:00 walk after each meal. This step alone can improve your blood sugar control, improve digestion, and begin to build the most important organ in your body…..Leg muscles! This is the preferred method we teach because it forces you to spread out physical activity throughout the day.
- Walk 1 mile in the morning, and one in the evening.
- Stuck in hotels? Get on the treadmill in the fitness center or head out for a walk around town!
- Our least favorite option (but still works) go for one long walk either in the morning or evening.
Increase The Challenge and Improve!
- 2 miles is the baseline minimum that we are challenging you too. As you progress, feel free to do more!
- As you become more proficient in walking every day see if you can begin to increase your pace! A good goal to shoot for with walking is being able to hold a 3.5 mile per hour pace for longer periods of time and eventually inch towards a 4 mile per hour pace while still being able to carry on a conversation. Studies have shown that faster walking speeds in older adults is strongly correlated with longer lifespan and health span!
