You’ve decided to walk 10,000 steps a day to get in shape. You’re ready to start walking: You have your playlist in order, your wardrobe picked out, and you’ve set aside time in your schedule. Now, it gets real.

Walking 10,000 steps allows you to get exercise through a low-impact exercise routine. We say 10,000 steps in a day because that’s a fitness milestone that many health experts agree upon to improve your physical fitness and overall health.

Today’s blog from Hoover Met explains how to get your daily 10,000 steps by walking in our beautiful city.

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Walking or Jogging

Walking or jogging lets you achieve 10,000 steps at your own pace. Be courteous to other people if you’re jogging or walking faster than they are, and let them know when you’re passing them. Consider saying “on your left” or “on your right” if you’re a jogger approaching someone who is walking.

Cushioned Comfort

Make sure to wear comfortable walking or running shoes. They should be cushioned to help reduce the stress on your legs and knees. As you’re going for 10,000 steps, you can focus on enjoying the walk rather than worrying about extra strain on your joints.

Early Morning

Walk or jog in the early morning hours, because this is the coolest part of the day. You should still drink plenty of water and don’t push yourself beyond your limits for safety. Small bottles of water could fit in your pocket, or a small backpack works well if you need more liquid hydration.

Length

You can time your walk for 10,000 steps or figure an average distance. The easiest thing to do is bring a fitness tracker that counts your steps and alerts you when you reach 10,000.

• One average human step: 28 inches or 2.3 feet
• Steps per mile: 2,296
• Miles for 10,000 steps: 4.4
• Time to walk per mile: 20 minutes 
• Time to walk 10,000 steps: 1 hour, 28 minutes

These are average times. Your individual results may vary. Plan on a 90-minute walk to achieve 10,000 steps per day. Of course, you can walk less or more, depending on your needs. Determine a spot 2.2 miles away from your home. Walk there and back. Or plan a circular route. There are plenty of beautiful parks in Hoover that let you walk on trails while maintaining social distancing standards.

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Walking & Hoover Met Complex

We want you to stay healthy amid social distancing and concerns about the pandemic. There’s no reason why you can’t stay healthy while observing social distancing.. Contact Hoover Met Complex or call (205) 739-7364 for more information on our facility, including upcoming events and hours of operation.