The recently launched BVI Health and Wellness Council Walk/Run for Health campaign includes the 10,000 Steps a Day initiative. The programme is a simple and practical way in which residents of the Virgin Islands can increase their physical activity for the benefit of their overall health and fitness.
“Failing to move regularly throughout your day can be a contributor to a range of diseases affecting your heart, circulation and respiratory systems, some of which could lead to an early death. Moreover, a general lack of fitness caused by a sedentary lifestyle can hamper your daily life by causing low energy levels, reducing your strength and causing you to become overweight or obese. Clearly, it’s important to include regular exercise into your life but excuses abound––a lack of time, money or motivation are often used as reasons for remaining sedentary.
“The ‘10,000 steps’ initiative has been developed to provide an achievable goal that will ensure you move and walk enough each day to stay fit. With the simple addition of a pedometer and some walking shoes, following the 10,000 steps method will increase your fitness and improve your health.” – Wiki How to Walk 10,000 Steps a Day
Things you will need:
- Pedometer (available for purchase for just $20 at the Ministry of Health and Social Development in the Betteto Frett Building next to Banco Popular and above Little Switzerland.)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle for hydration as needed
- Appropriate walking clothes
Those with a smart phone can also download one of the many pedometer apps that are on the market. Check out a review in the New York Times of walking apps.
Click here for some more useful information and helpful tips on how to start and continue to enjoy making the 10,000 step programme part of your daily routine.
