The Step Challenge Adventure

The Unleashed One here. I'm just poking my head out to see how everyone is faring and to tell you what's happening on my end of the world.

One of the main activities I have missed since the onslaught of the pandemic is going to the gym. Yes, I have been doing other things to supplement. However, it isn't quite the same. I know some locations have reopened. Where I reside, no exact date has been given, although the rumor is that it'll be "soon".

 

The main way I've been supplementing cardio is by walking. On days when it's nice weather, I do it outside. On days when the weather isn't so nice or I have to work earlier than expected, I find a YouTube video that incorporates toning and cardio, or cardio on its own.

I have heard that the magic number to strive for is 10,000 steps a day. Hearing the number ... like the number 10 and three zeros behind it, had me looking like ...

The number does seem a bit daunting. Yes, I've been more focused on keeping myself healthy over the past few years, but it's not like I'm training for marathons or anything. I was feeling pleased on days I hit my step tracker goal, which was set at 7,000 steps.

Then, I got to thinking. What if I could get to 10,000 steps? It isn't totally impossible. I have gotten there without planning it in the past. On top of that, what if I could get to that number more consistently over the course of 30 days?

After rolling it around in my mind, I made a decision: I was going to set a goal to hit 10,000 steps daily for the next 30 days, making note of potential challenges, which are as follows:

(1) Arthritis in my knees

(2) Carpal tunnel in the hands 

(3) A propensity for back pain/spasms (they hit without warning)

(4) Type 2 diabetic (have to monitor to ensure levels aren't dropping too low)

(5) Adjusting my sleep schedule, so I can have time for extended cardio on weekdays (I tend to like doing the majority of exercise in the morning since that is when I  have the most energy.)

Realizing that #1 could definitely be a deterrent, I noted that if there were days I exceeded the 10,000 step threshold, I could apply the overage on a day where I might be short. If that never occurs, well, kudos for that.

Fortunately for me, my step tracker also has an app, which stores how many steps I do if I forget to document the number.

I began the 30-day challenge on Monday (6/8) and was not only able to meet my goal but exceeded it.

I will journal my progress throughout the month.

Wish me luck!