Take our 300,000 step challenge if you want to feel fine this February
Right now, at East Coast Fitness we have just started our February Step Challenge. The aim is to get 300,000 steps, or more throughout February (an average of just over 10,000 steps a day).
Achieving the daily step target can help you lose weight.
Typically, 10,000 steps a day burns about 2000 to 3500 extra calories each week, so if you’re careful with your diet then getting those extra steps in can help you shift the pounds.
However, the aim of our challenge isn’t just weight loss.
The aim is to be consistent with exercise every day to improve our mental wellbeing, form some healthy habits and finish the month with a stronger mindset, lots of energy, and more motivation. We’re only nine days into the challenge but we’ve already started to notice lots of other benefits, including:
Improved Energy & Mood
Exercise is a great way to boost your energy levels and fight fatigue because it strengthens the heart and improves circulation. The feel-good hormones that are released during physical activity lifts your mood too.
Less Cravings
When you’re physically active, it helps stabilise your blood sugar because your muscles use more glucose in your bloodstream. Activity also helps insulin in your body work more efficiently.
Better Eating Habits
When you put effort into your physical activity it puts you in a positive frame of mind, and that positive energy transfers over into other parts of your lifestyle too, especially with your diet!
Improved Productivity and Concentration
Physical activity boosts the release of feel good hormones and increases blood flow to the brain which results in improved cognitive function. Not only do you feel less stressed and anxious when you regularly move, but you’ll feel more focused too.
Reduced Stress
If you have problems at work or at home, a nice walk can act as a form of meditation and help reduce stress. It gives you time to think things over and clear your head.
Increased Desire To Workout
When you move more throughout the day the increased blood flow and release of endorphins lift your mood and you feel more energetic. So, when you get home from work you’re more likely to want to put on your gym gear and do a workout.
If you’re struggling for motivation, just start by aiming for 10,000 steps a day. Be consistent with it for a week and it will help form good habits and in a few weeks you’ll start to feel more motivated. And, it’s not too late to join our latest Step Challenge! To join go to www.facebook.com/ groups/seahamshapeup
NHS exercise advice:
Adults should - Aim to be physically active every day. Any activity is better than none, and more is better still.
Do strengthening activities that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) on at least 2 days a week.
Do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week.
Reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity.
You can also achieve your weekly activity target with:
Several short sessions of very vigorous intensity activity. A mix of moderate, vigorous and very vigorous intensity activity.
You can do your weekly target of physical activity on a single day or over 2 or more days. Whatever suits you. These guidelines are also suitable for: disabled adults; pregnant women and new mothers.