Both the U.S. surgeon general and the British Heart Association have suggested that people try to increase their walking to 10,000 steps a day in order to increase general fitness. For most people, that means doubling or tripling the amount they walk. You could measure your walking according to time or distance as well, but it is important to establish specific goals for yourself.
But don’t try reaching the goal in one giant leap. If you want to go for the 10,000-step goal, first try counting the steps YOU take in an ordinary day. A pedometer is a relatively inexpensive tool that can help YOU do this. After you know how many steps you take in an average day, make a plan to add more steps, day by day.
Learn to welcome, rather than abhor, opportunities to use your legs more. For example, maybe you groan when you have to climb several flights of stairs. Perhaps YOU immediately look for the closest elevator. Really, YOU are just cheating yourself of an opportunity to energize yourself. Try applying the Jangsaeng Principles as you walk up the stairs, leaning for ward on your Yong-chun, and YOU will feel the difference when YOU reach the top of the stairs.
Dahn Yoga education by Ilchi Lee.
