How much exercise is enough?
Last Updated Aug 2007
I have often said that the best exercise program is simply walking, and that for
most people walking 30 minutes a day is a great start. But is that enough? One of
the most promoted walking programs is 10,000 steps per day, but what does that
mean? Ten thousand steps are about five miles per day. At a brisk pace of about
four miles per hour, that would be 1.25 hours per day. That's seemingly a lot more
than 30 minutes. To get those 10,000 steps, plan on a 30-minute walk every day,
and then make sure that you walk everywhere and every time possible throughout the
day. This means taking stairs as opposed to elevators, parking farther away in the
parking lot, and taking a lot of walking breaks during work. You will be surprised
how those extra steps can add up fast. One useful device for simply reinforcing
this walking behavior is an inexpensive pedometer. If you are short the required
number of steps, then simply march in place during your favorite TV program, and
you will be there in no time.