How to Get Your 10,000 Steps In

The weather is finally starting to cool down in Orlando so now is a great time to increase your step count.  We all know walking is a great form of exercise. It’s low impact, so it’s easy on your joints, and it’s a weight-bearing activity, so it helps to strengthen your bones. Plus, it’s free! All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and you’re good to go.

Most people know that 10,000 steps a day is a good goal to aim for when it comes to walking for exercise. But if you’re not used to walking that much, it can be tough to squeeze those steps into your day. Here are some tips on how to get your 10,000 steps in:

1. Park further away from the entrance of the store or office building you’re going to. This will force you to walk a bit further and help you rack up those steps.
2. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator whenever possible. This one can be tough if you’re going up several floors, but even taking the stairs one or two flights will help increase your step count for the day.
3. Get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour or so if you have a sedentary job. Set a timer on your phone or computer so you don’t lose track of time. Even just walking around the office or house for a few minutes will help increase your step count.
4. Take a brisk walk around the block before or after dinner. This is a great way to get some fresh air and spend time with family or friends while getting your steps in. Walking is a great way to bond with loved ones while getting some exercise at the same time. 
5. Invest in a pedometer or fitness tracker to help motivate you to walk more steps each day. Seeing your progress throughout the day can be very motivating and help you make more of an effort to reach your goal of 10,000 steps. 
6. Walk the dog.  Most dogs love to go on walks so why not make your dog happy and get some steps in at the same time?
7. Join or start a walking group in your community. This is a great way to make new friends and stay motivated to keep walking!

Walking is a great form of exercise, but it can be tough to squeeze in those 10,000 steps each day if you’re not used to it. By following these tips—parking further away, taking the stairs whenever possible, getting up and moving every hour or so, taking a brisk walk after dinner, walking your dog—you can easily reach your goal of 10,000 steps each day without too much extra effort. And once you get into the habit of walking more, you may find that you enjoy it so much that you start looking for ways to fit even more steps into your day!  

If you need help with your fitness routine or figuring out creative ways to get more steps in, don’t hesitate to contact me.