10,000 steps update

In January, I reported on my 10,000 steps goal - i.e. that I committed to walking 10,000 steps every day.  I thought I'd update you on my progress.

I still wear my fitbit everyday to count my steps (and other things) and now I focus on a goal of 70,000 steps a week. I've found that some days I just couldn't get 10,000 steps in with other time constraints, so instead I have a weekly 70,000 goal so my daily average is 10,000.

I therefore allow myself a "day off" - during which I generally walk 7,000 steps, and then I make up the difference during the other days of the week.  It was my dad's idea to take a "day off" each week. I bought my parents a fitbit and they have upped their walking too since they started using it.  My dad's goal is 5,000 steps a day - and last week, one day he walked more than 16,000 steps so got his "15,000 step" badge!  He likes to take Sunday's off as a day of rest!

I always achieve more than my weekly goal...and am thinking maybe I'll up it sometime soon.

My walks have really become a habit that I look forward to. I've taken to listening to audiobooks on most of my walks.  They make the time past quickly and as they are mostly educational books, I feel I am learning something, while also getting some exercise.  But some days, I just enjoy the peace and quiet and watch the birds, deer, rabbits, and squirrels along the way.

Did you start something at the beginning of year to benefit your health and are still doing?  Doesn't it feel good?

(So far today I've done 16,137 steps and the day isn't over yet.....)