62-year-old woman completes 10K steps on yoga mat: ‘Crazy ways’

Saroj Bidkikar, a 62-year-old digital creator, successfully completed a 30-day challenge of walking 10,000 steps on a yoga mat. She documented her daily progress on Instagram, sharing that she walked 4.5K steps in the morning, followed by 7K steps after yoga and housework, and another 9K steps after lunch. Bidkikar credited dancing for providing both relaxation and steps.

Dr Ashish Phadnis, director of orthopaedics at Jupiter Hospital Thane, was consulted about whether this unconventional walking method offers the same benefits as outdoor walking. Dr Phadnis affirmed that any form of movement is preferable to inactivity. However, he emphasized that stepping in various directions, including forward, backward, and sideways, as well as performing jumping jacks, does not exactly replicate outdoor walking. He stressed that fitness should not be measured solely by step count.

Dr Phadnis advised mixing and matching activities such as walking, yoga, and other exercises to enhance overall fitness, flexibility, and mobility. He highlighted that yoga mats provide some cushioning but are not designed for repetitive walking or jumping. For activities involving jumping jacks or quick directional changes, a firm, non-slip surface is more suitable. Proper footwear is also crucial for stability and grip.

Repeating the same muscle groups and loading the same joints without adequate variation or recovery can lead to unnecessary strain, according to Dr Phadnis. Thus, a balanced exercise routine that targets diverse muscle groups and joints is recommended. Rather than focusing on repetitive movements, it's better to incorporate activities that improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

Dr Phadnis suggested viewing 10,000 steps as a starting point rather than an ultimate goal. He emphasized the importance of consistency and variety in workout routines, rather than fixating on a specific number of steps on a fitness tracker.