Let's Walk!

Take a look at my new picture... Did you see anything different?

Top: JCrew Perfect Fit Tee in Lilac

Skirt: ASOS mesh midi skirt in pink (sold out)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength

Sandals: Birkenstock Curacao by Birki in black stretch cork

Ah, yes, I've got a Fitbit zip!

Update: 
Please feel free to join my fitbit group at
https://www.fitbit.com/group/22NRQZ

You might have heard about a magic number of 10,000 - walking 10,000 steps a day is a well advertised health slogan. How will10,000 steps benefit your health? Help you to lose weight? To lower cholesterol level? To fix sleeping disorders? No one explained it. In fact, I believe the answer is "none of the above". Health is a complicated problem that cannot be straightened by any single fix. That said, I do believe a more active life style helps over time. Given that an average American only walks 3,000 steps per day, 10,000 is a pretty good goal to start with.

After I got my new gadget (on sale), I observed my everyday activity in the past week. My conclusion is, a typical New Yorker who walks and takes public transportation will have very little problem hitting 10,000 on daily basis. That may explain why, in general, we city ants are smaller than most Americans whose a$$, for 90% of the time, is either in the car or on the couch. Some statistics from my experience:

• I walk slightly over 2000 steps per mile. 
• On average, I walk about 5.1 - 5.3 miles per day. This includes daily commute, getting lunch, running errands and walking up and down the office. It does NOT include any form of workout.
• Last Sunday, my easy run of 7 miles finished in 75 minutes with about 13580 steps. That's about 181 steps per minute. On a side note: for long distance runners who aim for 180+ steps per minute, I strongly recommend two podcast stations on iTune, Podrunner and Motion Traxx. 180 bpm is the rhythm that helps me to maintain steady fast feet and avoid over-stride throughout the run.

Some of you may have knee problems or other reasons that prevents you from running or other more intensive exercise. Walking works for most of us. The question is: how can you increase your walking distance?

Well, if you live in a big city like me, here are some tips you may consider:

• Walk to your destination. One of the many benefits of living in the city is that I can literally live within three blocks around my place. Groceries, restaurants, bars, post office, UPS, manicure, waxing... You name it. I walk to all these places. 
• Walk on your daily commute. Not everyone has the luxury of walking to work, but we all have the option of walking more. For example, you may live on the 28th Street and there is a 6 train stop right around the corner. You can still walk to the 14th or 42nd Street station and take the train from there, as long as you are willing to put some extra time and effort. I always rush to work in the morning by public transportation, but I do walk home as long as the weather permits. 
• Walk during your lunch break. Tired of the deli next to your office? Maybe it's time to walk out of your hood and get something different!
• Get a dog.

What if you live in the suburb and have to drive wherever you go? Guys: mow your lawn and work on your garden. Your wife will appreciate it. Ladies: don't you have a lovely big house to clean? We city ants envy you! :)

Fitbit itself cannot make you healthier. Your legs have to do the work. That said, I find the little gadget really handy in that it quantifies my activity level to some extent. Although it does not measure the calories burned in weight lifting or swimming, any walking or running boost the number quickly and make me feel good. Guess the maximum steps I've made so far? 44,672 steps and 20.2 miles. Yes, that included a long run. :)