10,000 Steps A Day: What Does It Do?

Most experts on fitness and scholars of motivation agree on one simple fact. When faced with a challenge as daunting as starting a healthy lifestyle, the best way to start is to cut down one big task into smaller manageable chunks.

Instead of focusing on arduous details such as diets and routines, we can build better habits by starting with small changes and working up from there. Aiming for quick wins rather than formidable challenges helps create momentum that will motivate us to do more in the future.

Taking 10,000 steps every day is the best example of this kindhearted approach to fitness. In our day-to-day life, we already do a lot of walking. So it is just a simple matter of following these three simple suggestions prescribed by Australia's Department of Health:

1. Aim for a walk of 30 minutes per day. If your schedule makes this difficult to achieve, strive to meet this goal because "a little is good, but more is better."
2. Look for opportunities to stretch your legs. Instead of taking the elevator, try using the stairs for a change. Searching for a parking spot? Get one that's farthest from the entrance so you can compensate with a quick stroll.
3. Get a walking buddy. While walking alone may provide an ample opportunity for gathering your thoughts, this light cardio activity can also be enlivened with the presence of a good friend or an active canine companion. Just remember to wear your mask and practice your local government unit's minimum health safety protocols!

With the advent of fitness trackers and smartwatches with comprehensive health capabilities, it is now easier than ever to check your level of physical activity for the day. Some trackers even allow you to have some light-hearted competition with friends and family. Having a concrete goal and someone to keep us accountable can serve as a constant reminder for us to stay active and fend off the alluring charm of our comfy chairs.

Apart from avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, walking a lot helps us stay away from lousy diet decisions. Once you realize that two slices of pizza take half an hour of light jogging to burn, you'll think twice before tapping on the icon of your favorite delivery app. Suffice it to say that you'll be less likely to eat junk food once you know how many steps it takes to get back those calories.

The positive effect of leisurely strolls also extends to our mental well-being. According to the aptly named Walking for Health organization in the United Kingdom, a good walk enhances one's self-esteem, enlivens the mood, and helps in improving sleep quality. Those who do regular physical activity (more than walking) are 30% less likely to fall into depression.

While walking does wonders for both body and mind, too much of this activity can strain the joints and knees. To steel yourself for the journey ahead, we recommend drinking a glass of Recogen before starting the day. This product — which contains 100% pure bioactive collagen peptides from Germany and certified HALAL by Singapore — offers many tangible benefits:

• Strengthens the constitution of both the young and the elderly
• Nourishes body tissues, cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, hair, nails, and skin.
• Because Recogen comes with added calcium, this healthy drink grants an extra level of protection for your bones and joints.

Getting into a healthy lifestyle doesn't need to be complicated. Start with a simple goal of taking 10,000 steps every day. Once you get into the habit of light exercise, use that momentum to carry you forward to better choices. So lace up your walking shoes, put on your face mask, and take that first step towards better health. Hopefully, with a hearty cup of Recogen in hand. — (TGM)