Let’s move! 10,000 steps a day for 14 days

This time we are going to move!! The challenge is to take 10,000 steps every day for 14 days. Or if a daily tally is going to be difficult you can take the weekly option of 100,000 steps per week. The weekly option is going to add quite a bit of distance to the challenge so maybe some long weekend walks will be required but your body and mind will thank you.

Why get involved? A lack of movement (sedentary lifestyle) contributes to myriad health issues and diseases. A report published in the Lancet last year estimated that a lack of physical activity was responsible for as many deaths (5.3 million) as smoking in the UK. A recent study from the US estimated that physical inactivity is responsible for 1 in 10 deaths each year.

Just some of the health issues related to a lack of movement include:
* Weight gain, obesity and cellulite formation
* Cardiovascular disease
* Metabolic issues and increased risk of diabetes
* High blood pressure
* Impaired cognitive function – particularly memory
* Sleeplessness and insomnia
* Muscle tightness and atrophy, structural and joint problems
* Lung disease
* Lowered sperm count

What do you need?
Enthusiasm! And a pedometer. A pedometer will count your steps for you. You can purchase these from sports stores such as Rebel Sport for about $20. They can also be found quite cheap online on eBay and other websites.

When does it start?
We’re giving you enough time to get your pedometer organised (no excuses!) so the challenge will be starting on Monday 1st July.

Please leave your comments below so we know you are getting involved.