Healthwatch — 70,000 Steps in 7 Days
JACKSON, Tenn. — The National Medical Fitness Association’s education committee has a challenge for you – 70,000 steps in seven days. Ryan Anderson, a medical fitness week participant, says he’s excited to participate. “Since I’ve started, I’ve been recording everything,” Anderson said. “[I’m] also wearing a pedometer to record my steps…so I can get 70,000 steps in seven days.” “It breaks down to about five miles a day, but you’d be surprised how fast those steps come,” Hilary Keen, an exercise specialist at the LIFT Center said. The benefits of this challenge extends beyond personal health and wellness. Keen also said that while the challenge may seen daunting, it’s easier to accomplish than you think. “If you can park further away from the building – take the thirty minutes on your lunch break, taking a walk around the block or taking your dog for a walk, those steps can add up very quickly,” Keen said. There are also pedometers for sale at the LIFT that will help you track your steps and benefit others in the process. “They’re $5 a piece and all of the proceeds go to Relay For Life,” Keen said. “So you’re taking a step to make yourself healthy and your’re also donating for Relay For Life.” Added benefits of this challenge include more energy, less stress, better weight management and a decreased chance of heart disease.
