HAWC encourages Malmstrom to take the step challenge

  • Published
  • By Kandice L. Hanenburg
  • Medical Support Assistant
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  To kick off May fitness month, the Health and Wellness Center will be offering a six-week step challenge.

Ten teams of four will be eligible to participate. The program's goal is to promote an increase in physical activity and help motivate participants to lose weight. The teams are given pedometers and asked to log their steps. They are also provided a conversion chart that allows them to earn more points for higher intensity aerobic activities. Each member will have a pre- and post- program weigh in. For each pound lost, they will gain an additional 2,000 steps.

Last year's teams exceeded expectations by logging 7,010,627 steps in a six-week period. This is the equivalent of 5,184 miles; which is approximately the distance from Seattle to Orlando and back. The total weight loss for the teams was a massive 92 pounds.

The winning team consisted of team captain Cassie Porter, Micah Porter, Lisa Broussard, and Tech. Sgt. Chris Broussard earning a total of 3,492,414 steps, plus 52,000 bonus points.

A study was accomplished by the surgeon general that showed on average, individuals only walk 900-3,000 steps a day. With an increase in America's obesity rate and other health risks, the surgeon general suggested taking 10,000 steps a day, which is the equivalent of walking five miles per day.

People who live healthier lives need less medical care. If you are interested in participating in a walking program, but are currently not involved in a regular exercise program or consider yourself to have a low level of physical fitness, consult your doctor before increasing your activity levels.

Walking is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to incorporate physical activity into your life. Those who take 10,000 steps a day burn between 2,000 and 3,500 calories a week. Challenge yourself to increase the number of steps you take each day by between 200 to 500 steps, working toward the goal of 10,000 steps.

There are several benefits to walking. Not only does it improve overall health and well being, but it increases psychological well being as well. Walking increases lean muscle mass and helps decrease body fat. It also helps reduce the risk of diseases, such as coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

If you are interested in completing your own step challenge, call the HAWC at 731-4292.