10,000 Steps to Success

Have you heard that one of the best ways to start an exercise program is by simply walking?

You heard that right. When you are just easing your way back (or starting fresh) into a fitness program one of the best ways to help your body acclimate to the new workload is through walking.

Every workout should have a short-term goal and your walking program is no different. You should aim for 10,000 steps per day. You've probably heard that magic number before and it will serve as a daily concrete number to shoot for.

Why 10,000 steps?

10,000 steps is roughly equal to about 5 miles or about 60 minutes worth of walking depending on your fitness level. The US Centers for Disease Control recommend this amount of physical exercise per day.

How do you get started?

The best way to begin any exercise program is to write the time you are going to workout into your schedule and make it part of your routine just like anything else. Your health has to be a priority and therefore, you must set aside a block of time to accomplish your fitness goals each day.

I recommend picking up a cheap pedometer that will count your steps for you as you walk throughout the day. You can also feel free to break your walk into two 30-minute walks or even three 20-minute sessions. The most important thing is that you reach your daily milestone of 10,000 steps!

Believe it or not it can actually be pretty fun checking in with your pedometer throughout the day to see how many steps you've accumulated. It won't be long before you are parking further from the shopping mall entrance or sneaking in a quick walk during lunch.

It's one of the easiest ways to start reaping the benefits of good health, so get started today!

Winter Skin Savers

Frigid, dry air outside and heated, dry air inside, can do a number on your skin during the winter months. But you don't need fancy repair creams that cost an arm and a leg to prevent cracking and crinkles. To keep your skin glowing from head to toe, try these tricks that will keep it feeling smooth and youthful all winter long:

Feed your skin wrinkle-fighters. Eat citrus (oranges, tangelos, grapefruit) often. The fruitful bonanza of vitamin C discourages wrinkles because C helps pump up collagen (supportive protein fibers that stop skin from sagging). Start eating smart for your face -- and the rest of your body, too!

Wash with the right stuff. Skip soaps with colors and fragrances. Dyes can leave a dull residue, and scents can trigger allergies. Instead, choose gentle, pH-balanced cleansers that won't upset skin's protective acid mantle, which keeps moisture in. Tip: If the soap you're using doesn't sting your eyes, it likely won't bother your skin. Check out these get-gorgeous-skin products.

Go for the greens. To keep skin from drying out, up your intake of dark green veggies. Spinach, broccoli, and mustard greens are especially rich in skin-loving vitamin A (Try this Green Pizza recipe from EatingWell), which encourages cell turnover, deters dryness, and keeps skin's surface supple.

Seal in moisture. If you are over 50 or live in a really dry climate like the desert, slather lotion all over your body while you're still damp from the shower. Repeat on your hands after each cold-and-flu-fighting scrub.

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