| Lifetime fitness is a goal that would benefit | | | | of 4,327 steps. That translated to the equivalent of |
| everyone. The American Council on Exercise recently | | | | 1.7 total miles. |
| released results of its exclusive study that examined | | | | On the other end of the spectrum, custodians and |
| on the job physical activity of 10 common | | | | mail carriers accumulated significantly more daily steps |
| occupations. | | | | and mileage. Mail carriers topped the list at 18,904 |
| Researchers at the University of Wisconsin, La | | | | daily steps or approximately 7.5 miles. Their distance |
| Crosse, were commissioned to measure the amount | | | | covered nearly double Shape Up Americas minimum |
| of workday physical activity one can expect from a | | | | recommendation. |
| variety of common occupations. | | | | There was a huge difference in the number of steps |
| They recruited 98 volunteers from businesses in the | | | | taken by all occupations. Results indicate that |
| La Crosse area. The volunteers represented 10 | | | | workplace physical activity varies widely among most |
| different occupations. They had secretaries, | | | | occupations. If you are not in a very active job you |
| restaurant servers, construction workers, mail | | | | definitely need to get some kind of supplemental |
| carriers, custodians, lawyers, police officers, nurses, | | | | physical activity. |
| teachers and factory workers. | | | | Minor lifestyle adjustments can help meet the 10,000 |
| One of the things they wanted to achieve was to | | | | step goal. Lifetime fitness can mean doing something |
| raise the awareness level of how much individuals | | | | as simple as not taking the elevator but walking up |
| move about at their places of work. Hopefully the | | | | the stairs. How about a vigorous walk at lunchtime? |
| researchers could also provide them with feedback | | | | Whenever playing a round of golf walk the course |
| that may encourage them to adopt a regimen of | | | | rather than using a golf cart. |
| lifetime fitness. | | | | Small group personal training, usually less than five |
| Each participant was assigned a basic pedometer and | | | | individuals, is an excellent idea. This is a great way to |
| asked to wear it during work hours for three | | | | get personal instruction and close supervision at a |
| consecutive days. The subjects went about their | | | | more economical cost. This approach allows parents |
| work days as usual. At the end of the days, they | | | | to show their children that being active can be fun. |
| completed a daily log. They recorded the number of | | | | Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi continue to provide a great |
| steps taken, total distance covered, and a brief | | | | alternative to higher impact activities. The key |
| description of the duties they performed that day. | | | | elements of mind and body activities include proper |
| It was found that secretaries, teachers, lawyers and | | | | posture, breathing and body awareness. By |
| police officers walked significantly fewer steps and | | | | incorporating elements of mental and spiritual fitness, |
| less distance than other occupations. At the low end, | | | | individuals will take better care of their entire being, |
| secretaries were observed to walk only an average | | | | not just their bodies. |