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HEALTH

Wellness

Should you hit the gym or take the stairs?

We know ya love that instant burst of after-gym feeling, but new studies are supporting claims that movement throughout the day is more important. Whether you’re lounging on the couch or sitting in class, you probably spend most of your day motionless. Unfortunately, you’re not alone. Americans take an average of 5,117 steps per day, and that number’s been decreasing pretty steadily over the decades. But those 5,117 steps just aren’t enough, according to the standard recommendation of 10,000 steps daily.

So rather than sweating it out at the gym for hours on end, experts suggest spreading a few small, simple workouts frequently throughout your day. Try taking the stairs a few extra times, swapping your beanbag for a rocking chair or even chewing gum—these little things can make a big difference in your health.

If you want to take it one step further, tracking your steps with a pedometer can help you become more aware of your activity. Several studies concluded that people who used pedometers increased their steps per day by an average of 2,491. This increase proves that you can boost your activity and your health, just by paying a little more attention to it.

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by Julie Harans | 2/1/2016
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