Copyright channelnewsasia
JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING THE RIGHT THINGS This is why applying metrics to one’s lifestyle is folly: you’re always going to fall foul of someone else’s stats. Just when you think you’re doing the right things, more research comes along to tell you you’re getting the how all wrong. Exercise – how much, what sort and for how long – has become the subject of fetishistic study with the advent of the health tracker. In addition to my steps, I now observe my sleep quality and readiness, but was recently told by various longevity experts that the most important metric I should be watching is my HRV (heart rate variability, a stat I still don’t fully understand). One expert says we can conquer ageing if we take the stairs more frequently. The hormone vigilantes are obsessed with bone density and lifting weights. The nice thing about the 10k step count is that it doesn’t demand much thought: Running (while acknowledged to be more effective) is sweaty, messy and requires you to divest of all the other stuff you need. Walking is pleasant: You can walk and talk, and walk and look at things. I had a delightful perambulation last Wednesday, taking in the views from Hong Kong’s famous peak. (Incidentally, I’d like to get the health metrics for Hong Kong residents who dwell on that insanely steep incline: Their HRV levels must be optimal with all the climbing they have to do.) So, in light of the new information: I’ve decided to stick to the OG plan. I’ll take my 10,000 steps however I can get them. The rest can take a hike.
