Volume 13, Number 5: August 2005
Keeping in Step With Your Goal (and Not Dropping Out)
It's hard to believe it's been two years since the Step Toward Health program launched. CHP has distributed thousands of pedometers since. We see walkers all around town wearing the bright blue clip-on counters. Have you stepped up to the challenge to walk 10,000 steps a day? Here are some tips to help you reach your goal:
- Hide the remote. Really seize every opportunity to take steps in your home. Think of household and yard tasks as "step opportunities." Even walk in place in front of the TV. Why not?
- Use stairs rather than elevators. Park farther from stores.
- Get out a few blocks from your destination if you use public transportation or a friend gives you a lift.
- Walk with your children, whether they're walking, biking, or rollerblading. Walk them to school if possible. Plan family activities that let you move, such as beaches and parks.
- Plan exercise ahead. A morning walk is less likely to be derailed by unexpected events. If you must walk later, post pep-talk signs: You know you'll feel better. Walk!
- Vary your routes for interest even drive to a nice park. Walk in malls in hot or bad weather. You'll see other "circlers."
- Walk with a friend, but don't let others' lapses stop you.
- Keep an exercise diary. Know that three months is needed to lock in a new behavior. Dedicate yourself! When you must skip days, get back into walking quickly. You'll find that with two days back in the groove, the third isn't hard.
- Don't forget that you're setting an example for your kids. Their life-time health patterns are a powerful motivator.