Do you know the magic number?

10,000!  You know that is the amount of steps we all are 'supposed' to get each day to maintain heart health, fend off type 2 diabetes, lower BMI, increase energy, and generally live a long healthy life.

I think I probably used to get this plus some before the move!  However, life's been little crazy since then and honestly with my  new fantastic kitchen I have been cooking (and baking!) more than before and have found it hard to get back into my exercise routine.

So, I bought myself a Fitbit after Christmas to at least track my steps (and maybe get back in shape) - I like motivation and I figured this would give it to me.  Let me say, it is SO much better than the average pedometer (worth the $).  I got the least expensive one as I hate things on my wrist and really don't need to track my sleep as I am pretty steadfast on getting enough of that!

I did not realize how difficult it is to get that 10,000 steps in.  Seriously, I am dying here and wondering how (IF?) others get enough exercise... I have been pretty earnest about getting on my elliptical for 40-50 minutes 5 days/week.  I go at a pretty good clip with resistance and average a little over 3 miles. And although home, I don't sit around eating bon-bons all day - in fact I rarely sit until after dinner. The only way I reach the 10,000 is if I walk the dog 2 miles and do the elliptical!  

This is crazy stuff - what do you think?  Do you get your 10,000 steps?  I'm thinking most of us don't. At least I know I am getting my 30+ minutes of cardio - that's good for my heart too:)  So maybe my magic number is just that - whatever I end up with after my elliptical workout?

If you are inspired to get a Fitbit, let me know.  We can connect on the site and motivate each other!

Off to cook (or maybe I'll bake something for dessert....)