You finished your day, are getting ready to have dinner, and relax. You look down at your tracker, and it shows “only” 6,500 steps, and you're immediately disappointed in yourself.
Don’t worry! 10,000 steps a day is more a marketing number than a medical recommendation. The bottom line is, anything above 5,000 steps in a day is good. And, the more, the better.
So, let’s take a look at some easy ways to increase your step count while going about your typical day!
Get a dog
Having a dog will immediately increase your step count as you take them out for daily walks. But, even If you don't have a dog, you can still volunteer to walk other dogs—from your family or a shelter—or even join your best friend when they walk their dog.
Make it a family affair
Get your family on board, and take a good hike once a week. You'll have a blast discovering new places, bond as a family, and increase your fitness levels together.
Walk the wait
Are you waiting for an appointment? For a flight? In the bank? In a Zoom meeting? Take a walk around. Not only will it increase your step count, but it may also help with any nervous or jittery pre-meeting feelings.
Get a music boost
Doing any exercise with a good dance track helps your body move on a higher frequency, which allows you to walk faster and longer.
Say it face to face
Is there something important you’d like to say to a colleague? How about you walk to their desk and talk face to face? Especially for longer and important conversations. Not only will it improve the quality of the conversation, but it will also keep you moving during the day.
“Hack” your transportation
If you take the bus or metro, get off one stop earlier, and walk it. If you usually drive, park in the farthest parking spot you find. That way you’ll walk more just to get to the door. If you always take the elevator, take the stairs every now and then.
Walking is an exercise option that can benefit everyone—all levels, ages, and abilities. Pregnant women, overweight people, people with joint pain, people with high blood pressure, the elderly, the young… we can and should all add more steps to our daily routine.
The journey to a healthier body starts with a single step.
So what are you waiting for?
Take a step towards a healthier self today