How Many Steps are Too Many?

[MKeiffer]

Hi everyone,

I got my FitBit in January 2015 when my weight was around 252 pounds. I kno weigh around 212 pounds but I am currently averaging almost 31,000 steps per day.  I enjoy seeing big daily step numbers, but a friend of mine now says I am starting to look "skinny', and I don't look like I lift weights anymore.

I know I need to start adding weights back into my workout program.  Do I need to cut back on the number of daily steps?  I have gone over 100 straight days with doing 20K steps or more per day, and I usually hit close to 30K steps per day.

But now I am wondering if I am doing too many?  Any help is appreciated!!

Mike

[WendyB]

Everyone is different. I know many that do that amount.

But why did you give up weights?

It also has to do with what you eat as well. More so than the steps you take. If you are still losing and dont want to lose more than you need to eat more.

[Myrn]

40 Pounds! That is outstanding! Your story is very inspiring.  I'm not an expert so my opinion is just that my opinion is 30,000 steps is not too many steps, especially if you are seeing great results!  

[Raviv]

Why stop lifting?  I would probably spend a little less time walking and use that time to start lifting again.  Then also make sure you have the food going in to fuel that exercise.

Are you still trying to lose weight?  How close are you to your goal, and how much of a calorie deficit do you have on an average day?

[MKeiffer]

Hi Wendy,

I cut back on lifting because of a sore shoulder and I wanted to increase my cardio, but now, I want to work the weights back in.  I will probably still strive to keep my step count between 20K - 25K, though.

Thanks!

[MKeiffer]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the great tips and ideas.

I have been very pleased with the amount of weight I have been able to lose and the FitBit has probably helped best to keep motivated when I travel.  I travel extensively for work, and I would always make excuses to not work out when on the road.  Now, the first thing I check when I go to a new hotel is what kind of workout room do they have!

I did cut back on weights because of a sore shoulder and that is much better, so I think I am going to add back in more weight training, but I will still shoot for a daily step goal of 20K - 25K.

Mike

[ClarissaK]

Congratulations on your shedding success!  If you are wanting to add the weights back in then do so.  Just listen to your body.  🙂

[Heybales]

I'd say when the step level causes pain and discomfort and prevents you from doing a decent amount the next day or two.

But that would be true of any workout - if the intensity knocks you out, like an injury, and prevents doing much of anything for awhile - then it was too much.

Or the goal of hitting step levels takes time away from doing what you know could be a more beneficial workout.

Since weight loss is purely about eating less than you burn, then that can be accomplished even doing the better workouts.

But indeed, deficit with only walking is going to be prone to helping lose muscle mass - especially if big deficit, even more so if not doing resistance training.

Are you doing too much?

Only you can answer - is the goal of getting in steps taking time away from what would be more beneficial workouts based on your fitness level?

[short-n-sassy]

Wow!!  Great job. I would do whatever felt comfortable for me. Keep up the good work.  You are inspiring.  I get excited when I am over 10K.

[EdsonFitbit]

Congrats for your weightloss @MKeiffer. If your body wants/needs to walk 30k steps daily, I wouldn't see why not doing it. 

[mlaccs]

If you are feeling that you do not look like you are lifting enough then lift more.  If that means fewer steps then so be it.  For me walking is the primary excercise but on days I do other things my step count is lower.  Not a big deal since no one is paying me for any specific stat. 

[mlaccs]

For some people 5k steps is to many, for others 50k is not enough.  I don't think the count matters as a raw number.

[Farica]

You're doing fabulously well. Maybe your friend is a teensy bit envious?? I've lost weight (35 pounds) and now everyone from near strangers to very elderly relatives are experts willing to offer advice on how I should be doing it, even though they've never lost any significant amount of weight themselves, but I (perhaps somewhat cynically) suspect they feel they'll have the upper hand on me if they can think, 'oh, sure, you're doing good, but really, you're a poor stupid slub, I would do much better'. If you're happy walking, then keep doing it. Remember, the hunter-gatherers didn't concern themselves with weight-lifting, but were (or so one assumes) fit and healthy. There's an aesthetic element to being 'in shape', sure, like women who want their bosoms and arses this year's fashionable degree of perky or round, but in the end if you're happy and healthy you're gonna look good.

[I-train-hard]

As long as your hart is beating and you could walk…..you doing well.

I guess, keep stepping?

[Strem2]

You might be surprized when you get back into the weightroom, that although you are smaller, you are just as strong.... It sounds as if you have gotten into great shape. Congratulations!!

[TeeMilliee]

I just got mine the other day and I also average around 20k , but I'm a 100lb 25 year old girl who cleans a casino, so I walk quite abit. Also have 2 kids to tend to at home. 20k is fine as long as we keep hydraded and eating the proper amount for what we are walking off then it will all balance out. Have to keep the muscle mass up too though