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I’m someone who is always looking for ways to stay active, so when I heard about the 20,000 steps a day challenge, I was intrigued. After doing some research and learning more about the challenge, I decided to give it a try. And because I have a dog – Lily-Bear – I was sure to have company whilst I did so.
There are many reasons why I decided to commit myself to walking 20,000 steps each day. First and foremost is the health benefits associated with taking this many steps on a daily basis. Studies have shown that walking can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 30%, improve mental health, reduce stress levels and walking can even help you lose weight. With all of these potential benefits, it was an easy decision for me to make.
Check this out: 5 Ways Why Just Walking has Improved My Health
The second reason I chose this challenge is because it provides structure for my daily routine. With our lives becoming increasingly busy these days, it can be hard to stay on track with exercise goals or any other kind of goal for that matter. Having something like the 20K step challenge in place gives me a specific activity that I need to do each day which makes it much easier for me to stay motivated and focused on my goals.
The third reason why this challenge appealed to me was because it’s so simple to get into; all you need is a good pair of shoes and somewhere safe/comfortable where you can walk (or run). This means that anyone regardless of their income level or fitness level can participate in the challenge as long as they have access to those two things mentioned above. It also means that if you do not have access to a gym or are unable to afford expensive gym memberships then this might be an ideal solution for you as well!
When it comes to choosing the right walking shoes, I take it very seriously. As someone who enjoys spending time outdoors getting some exercise and fresh air, having the proper footwear is essential for providing comfort and avoiding injury. The key to finding great walking shoes is to look for ones that offer plenty of cushioning, support and flexibility. Cushioning helps absorb shock from the ground and can reduce the impact of your footsteps on your feet, joints and spine. Support helps maintain stability in your feet and ankles as you walk, reducing fatigue in those areas after a long walk or hike. Flexibility allows for natural movement of your foot, which can help prevent potential injuries related to stiffer shoes.
I also recommend looking for shoes with a wide toe box that won’t pinch or restrict your toes during movement. This will keep them comfortable while allowing you to move freely without constriction of any kind. Additionally, when trying on new walking shoes I always make sure they fit snugly without being too tight or causing any discomfort while wearing them – even though they may stretch out over time with regular wear.
I think it’s important to wear properly fitting socks when trying on walking shoes as well, because this will give you an idea of how much space you need between the sock lining and shoe lining for comfortable wear over longer periods of time (and hikes). Choosing great walking shoes isn’t something I take lightly; but with a bit of research into what features are best suited for my activity level combined with trying on different styles until I find the one that fits me best – I know no matter where my outdoor adventures take me – my feet will be comfortably supported each step of the way.
Finally, another great thing about this challenge is that it’s not just limited to walking; you can cycle, swim or use any other form of physical activity which counts towards your total number of steps taken in one day! This means that no matter what type of exercise you prefer there’s something out there which will count towards your total number of steps taken each day – giving you more variety than just walking alone!
Check this out: The Importance of Exercise for Busy People
Overall I am very happy with my decision so far; not only am I getting healthy but also finding ways in which exercising becomes easier through structure and creativity! If there’s one thing I would recommend doing if considering taking up the 20K step challenge then it would be – go for it! It’s definitely worth trying out if you want some structure in your life while also achieving great health benefits at the same time!
