Have you got a fitbit?

Yes, I've got one in my bedside drawer. I could only achieved the required steps per day if I put my life on hold and walked for hours a day. I have been decorating and gardening recently and am getting a far better full body workout for less steps.

I have had one for a few years. I thought the daily target was 1000 steps, maybe they have reduced it to be within more people's reach!
However the important thing, I feel, is to do what you can and increase gradually. I have a few health issues and aim for at least 2000 - that's just a trip to the local shops. I am happy with 4000-5000 and have only achieved 10000 a few times.
The Fitbit has made me far more conscious of how far I walk. If I miss a bus I now walk to the next stop and I don't put off going upstairs until Ihave several things to carry up.
Mine really has helped improve my health and mobility. I hope you enjoy, and benefit from, yours!
My daughter's has prompted her to take up regular running, entering Park Runs and getting in daily competition with other mum's!

I have a jawbone, same type of thing. I find it hard to get beyond 6k but suspect if I was younger, still working and with kids to run after I'd have no problem!

All my bits are fit!

I got one for my birthday and I'm loving it. You do need to have a proper walk and or exercise to reach the 10000 steps. It has made me realise how little aerobic exercise I took despite keeping busy. Persevere, it gets easier!

Aha, Brummiegran - was just going to look on the fb web site to try to find out what it was all about - so they say 10,000 steps and someone said you work up to it gradually - that means i have done one twentieth of the recommended number of steps today.

Ooer....so a "proper walk" would be for five hours??? Half an hour round park was less than 5,000. Feeling faint, will go and lie down for a bit. Can you make up steps by waving legs in air?

Certainly you can - please post photo.

Yes, I have one - it's great as long as you remember to replace the sensor once it's charged!! I have forgotten a few times and got half way through the day before I discovered

I've had one for a year or so, really like it. Mine clips to my bra and the battery lasts for months. It's a Fitbit Zip. I do about 15,000 steps a day, so well over the recommended amount but then, I do have a dog and we both really enjoy long walks.
Wait until Shysal finds this thread - she's the Fitbit queen and walks more than me!

I have a Fitbit. It lives on my dressing table. Permanently.

The 10,000 steps thing was a number plucked out of thin air by some Japanese marketing people when they began selling the first pedometer invented. There is no scientific basis for the number.

10541 today. I find that going for a walk along the cycle track for half an hour, sitting down on a seat for a bit, then walking back is 8000 steps minimum, so not much more needed to get the 10,000.
Taking my granddaughter to school and coming back home is 4000 steps. I always think they should count more if it's uphill, as it is on the way back.

I'm intrigued having read this. I googled Fitbit but was overwhelmed with info. Don't know where to start. Which version would be most suitable for a big couch potato (in both senses of the word?)

The little green one that clips on your bra. Or on your belt.

My bits aren't fit I fear
What's 10,000 steps in real life? 5 miles?

With a largely sedentary job I'm a bit about just how little exercise I do, especially in the winter which I hate.

Is one type better than another?

loopy, apparently you can cheat use a Stepper instead of braving the Great Outdoors! I have a mini-trampoline that I sometimes have a session on. It's all exercise, after all...

That's a thought Ana! Does fidgeting have the same effect? I'm good at that!

I think you'd have to fidget on your feet loopy!

I'd be worried about cancer clipping one to my bra?!

Whaaat?!!!!!!!

Thank you, gransnetters. I had been wondering about buying a Fitbit recently and you have introduced me to the Fitbit zip which sounds good . Debenhams have them on sale just now at £15 off and I have bought one. Years ago I lost a lot of weight and got fit by wearing a pedometer and doing the 10000 steps a day routine. It was an easy and effective way to get me moving more. I was horrified at how sedentary a life I led. I chalked up the steps by moving about more in the house as well as walking. I didn't achieve 10000 steps every day but I was certainly much more active and I was pathetically pleased when I achieved a personal best.

I have a Fitbit. I live in a small flat but if it's bad weather or I don't want to go out I just "walk" in my flat. I don't go by the amount of steps I do but the active minutes I do. I do 30 minutes at least every day. I have heart problems that are ongoing so exercise is important.

You don't need a lot of space to walk. If I'm not out I just go back and forth in my flat listening to the radio or whatever. 30 minutes or more soon passes.

In the same way I wouldn't keep a mobile phone near my breasts