Does work really make you unfit?

There's the thought that we, as Americans, would be incredibly fit, lean mean, Tour de France riding, marathon running machines if we just didn't have to sit behind a desk all day. Those people might be on to something.

The pedometer, which is slowly getting reviewed in steps, has a nifty little feature that allows you to recall previous days. Its quite telling.

Monday-1,387 steps
Sunday-2,820 steps
Saturday-3,639 steps

None of those are huge totals, but....

Saturday I had the full day off, was able to mow the lawn and do some grocery shopping. Sunday was a half work day, and Monday was a full day at wok.

The steps you take, and the calories you burn without thinking about it count just as much as the one's that you actively try to annihilate. Though its quite possible to go on a quick walk around the block or something, its quite telling.

Perhaps in terms of fitness, we're more productive when not at work?

Bruised toes and pedometers

Since my declaration a week ago of training for a half marathon I have done....

Jack.

Its embarrassing how inactive I've been. And now, I might not go running for a few more days.

I stubbed my toe Friday morning. It hurt all day, which I thought was bizarre. After work, I headed down to Carbondale to celebrate a birthday. By the time I got home (3 am), my shoe had been on my foot for quite sometime. I took off the shoe and sock on my right foot. My little toe was a nice purple color and a bit swollen. Seems I stubbed it pretty good. It still hurts pretty good, so I don't want to push off on a running stride with it.

Walking is fine though. And it just so happened that today was lawn mowing day. Also, my pedometer arrived in the mail, so I was eager to put it to use. After setting it up, I clipped it on and set out to mow the lawn. A fairly warm, humid day, so worked up a good sweat.

Final totals: 1,762 steps. 0.8 miles. Not bad, not bad at all.

The pedometer is pretty nice. The belt clip slipped a few times, but it eventually got corrected. I like the device so far, and I'll keep you posted on how the pedometer works. An official review coming up later on.

Mowing the lawn

Sometimes the to do list gets pretty long and I think, "I can't go running...I have things to do"

Luckily, when mowing the lawn is on that list I can still get a good workout in. Takes me 40 minutes to mow my yard. Its not the most strenuous, but its activity. Thats the key.

And by the way...yes. The stomach muscles hurt. A lot. Today was not a good day to have allergies act up, for that results in sneezing. And sneezing today hurt.

Its Friday tomorrow. I'll throw up an iPod it to get you into the weekend.

Wednesday Weigh-In: April 30, 2008

I haven't officially worked out since my last run on Saturday so I was a bit surprised to see I came in at 217 pounds this week. However, a few factors may have contributed.

1. Less fast food. I had Quizno's on Tuesday and then a fast food breakfast from Hardee's on Sunday, but that was it fast food wise. 

2. No official work outs, but I had been working to get my house ready for a visit from the parents. And according to this page that means I burned 223 calories per hour. So, while I wasn't off running, I was at least active.