I set myself the goal of walking 10,000 steps a day for one month. It wasn’t a lofty goal by any means. It was simply a way to get my fitness back on track by walking more.
It was an achievable goal that I could do without spending any money or finding kid-free time. I didn’t need to sign up to the gym, get up at 5 am or make parkrun.
These seem pretty simple to most people but I’m not most people. I struggle to get up in the morning. Don’t get me wrong; I like the idea of mornings. I just like watching my show in the evening. The allure of one more episode is often too much for me.
I know, I know. Just get to bed earlier Mel, I hear you yelling. Look, I have considered it.
I like my evenings. I like staying up late. It feels a bit naughty, like I should go to bed, but I don’t have anyone telling me off. I kind of like that. As a responsible parent and teacher, it feels good to be a little rebellious sometimes.
I already pay my registration fees for netball. I don’t feel like paying extra for the gym. I don’t want to drive anywhere or rush to make a class.
I just want to decide to exercise outside and do it. The trouble is, keeping fit in winter is harder.
I find it easy to exercise during the warmer months. Daylight savings are my best friend. I love being able to go for a hike or run once the children are in bed. As the sun is setting, it calls to me. Reminds me to put my shoes on and head out.
10,000 steps a day, every day
10,000 steps a day was something that I could do. It wouldn’t cost me any money. I didn’t need a creche. I didn’t have to make radical changes to my life or routine.
It was a goal that I needed and one that was achievable.
I made up my mind and went for it. I was only accountable to myself.
I didn’t wait for a brand new month to start. I simply started the next day.
How I tracked my steps
To track my steps, I simply used the Health app on my phone. It might not be perfectly accurate but I wasn’t writing a PhD. I figured, it would do the job.
When I went for a walk, run or hike, I activated the free Strava app for a more detailed analysis of the movement. I did find that when using the app, I was motivated by the data and wanted to move faster and go for longer.
The benefits
It was no surprise that I would see some benefits from walking more steps per day. Some were immediate and others took longer. Here are some observations.
After a few days:
I noticed benefits almost immediately. I felt that:
- My mind was clearer
- I felt more creative and had more ideas
- My memory was better
- I had more energy
- I was sleeping better
After a few weeks:
Some benefits took a little longer to realise. After several weeks, I noticed:
- Tighter thighs and buttocks
- I had clearer skin
- It was easier to fall asleep and easier to wake up
- I fit clothes better, especially those that had been getting tight
- That I liked what I saw in the reflection
What surprising changes did I notice?
After setting this goal, I wanted to see it through. I saw a number of other surprising changes:
- Eating habits. I observed that my eating habits had changed. The more steps I took, the healthier I ate. I craved vegetables and felt like eating salad. I wanted to cook nutritious lunches on days that I was home rather than reaching for the toastie maker.
- Water consumption. I started drinking more water. I felt thirstier, and my body wanted more. I didn’t crave the sugary drinks like I used to. I drank coffee, opting for less sugar. Drinking more water meant that I didn’t feel hungry as often. Perhaps I used to snack when I was simply thirsty.
- Took opportunities. During this challenge, I looked for ways to increase my activity level. I took my boys on spontaneous walks to the playground. We went on bike rides and hikes. On teaching days, I took my students out for regular laps of the oval and made sure I took part too. We all benefit from spending more time outside.
- Different mindset. I noticed that my mindset had changed. I was motivated like never before to increase my step count. I took opportunities to move my body. Rather than reluctantly walking further to my car park, I saw it as a way to get my steps up. I did pushups against the kitchen bench while I waited for the wheat bags to heat up. I attempted squats while waiting for water to fill the sink. On teaching days, I circulated around the classroom and did laps of the playground or oval whilst on duty.
What didn’t I need?
I didn’t buy anything new for this challenge. I wanted to use what I had. Nothing fancy.
This meant that I didn’t have a fancy smart watch or fitness tracker. Just my phone in my pocket. (Lorna Jane tights with phone pockets). My step count isn’t as accurate and is likely far higher than recorded. I often took my phone out or had it on charge (needs a replacement battery).
I would like to get one eventually. It just hasn’t been a priority.
A downside of not having a fitness tracker was needing to carry my phone in my pocket as much as possible. It reduced the types of outfits I was able to wear. I kept checking my phone, sometimes for no reason at all. That’s not great. As far as I’m concerned, there is little point getting my steps up if it means I’m always looking at a device.
I would like to look at getting a fitness tracker and trialling a subscription to Strava. It is an extra expense but I do think it would help me increase my steps in the future.
I’m so glad that I gave this challenge a go. It wasn’t ridiculously hard or out of reach. I needed something achievable. Something I could try and stick to.
Not only did I reach my goal of 10,000 steps a day, but I saw positive effects in other areas of my life. I feel like it has spurred me on for more.
I want to build up my running ability. I want to work on my stamina and endurance.
This goal has given me the motivation to keep getting fit and push for more.
One small switch changed my entire outlook. I’m ready for the next challenge.
Maybe parkrun?
Melanie Wegener
Do you track your steps? If so, what device do you use? Would you recommend it to someone like me?
I’d love to hear below or on Instagram.
