By Happy Tree Pilates Blog | December 12, 2013 at 03:30 PM EST |
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I was fortunate to spend 4 months at the Cooper Institute doing research last spring. One of the most eye-opening things I learned was the difference between physically active and physically fit. Prior to the research, my perception was that only physically fit people had quantifiable health benefits. After piles of research, I now know that while that is certainly true, there are quantifiable benefits to just being physically active. Study after study shows reduction in health risks associated with simply moving your body SOME. I think this is important to remember as we move into the time of year associated with New Years Resolutions. Keep your resolutions simple and make sure that you keep them. for example I will walk the dog every day. I will walk to get lunch. I will walk my kid to school. I will walk the golf course.
So what about these Fitbits and 10,000 steps? I wondered is this an arbitrary number….Again, as part of the research I had the chance to read many studies on steps per day. 10,000 steps a day is the number needed to see significantly quantifiable health benefits - reduction in the risk of chronic disease and a longer healthier life. Without effort, most americans walk about 3000 steps, so you have to put in some work to make it happen. I found this program on PBS to help you implement a
walking plan, if you are currently sedentary.
Also, as you move into the New Year, from my perspective it sometimes seems like the enthusiasm to "get in shape and lose weight" is the greatest detriment to making it happen. Take it slow and make your program realistic and achievable. Overdoing things can lead to injury which leads back to the couch!
And always remember, Pilates is there to help you achieve your fitness goals. The beauty of Pilates is that it is so multifaceted. If you need to stretch, it will stretch you. If you need to strengthen, it will strengthen you. If you are injury prone, it can help. If you are in too much pain to think about working out, you can probably still do some Pilates that might actually feel good.
Happy Holidays and good luck forming those resolutions.
