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Like many other people, I strive to increase my daily activity to improve my health and fitness. I have recently started to focus on increasing my daily steps.
I work from home most of the time, and find that I typically do not walk much. I do find that when I work in the office, my steps tend to be higher, however, definitely not the recommended 10,000 or more steps per day.
We have all heard that we need to walk 10,000 steps (or more) per day, and after realizing that I was putting in less than 5,000 steps each day, I set-out to find as many ways as I could to reach the goal of 10,000 steps.
I found it very important and motivating to have a way to track my activity. I consistently wear my Apple Watch and find it to be a great addition to my lifestyle (so many benefits and fun apps). I mix-up the bands quite often…it is so versatile and I think stylish too.
Before investing in the Apple Watch, I used a Fitbit tracker. While the one I used was not as functional/versatile, it was more affordable and totally met the need of tracking steps. Bonus, is that the Fitbit Inspire has fun bands available as well.
I have heard that the Fitbit Versa is a lot more functional/versatile than the more affordable Fitbit Inspire that I previously used (there are also fun bands available), and at a more affordable price than the Apple Watch (which as I mentioned, I LOVE!).
Below are the “steps” I took and the changes I made to reach my goal (and you can too!):
Walk before the kids get-up
Walking in the front of the house each morning has really helped to increase my daily steps. I can no longer use the kids as an excuse for not walking in the morning. It is a great way to start the day, and I don’t feel guilty about leaving the kids to go to the gym or exercise away from the house (as I am always in walking distance…lol)
Walk the kids to school
Luckily I live close enough to the school to walk (but not too close) and the weather where I live is generally mild, so this is a great way for me to increase steps early in the day. Bonus is that the kids love it, and they get some activity in before school.
Walk during breaks
This is a good way to actually take a break during work (I don’t know about you, but I tend to not take breaks, and planning to walk during breaks and setting a goal really helps).
Walk during lunch
Don’t get me wrong….I’m all about eating lunch, but I try to spend half of my lunch eating, and the other half walking. Sometimes, I will even walk to get lunch (great multi-tasking)
Take an extra lap around the store
Before starting my shopping, I take a lap (or sometime two) around the store. Bonus is that you will know where all of the sales/bargains are in advance (just be sure not to go on an empty stomach to reduce temptations)
Walk during kid activities
I don’t know about you, but I spend A LOT of time waiting for my kids at various activities, including sport practices, tutoring and play-dates/parties. I have found this to be a great time to boost my daily steps, especially at sport practices. Since they are generally outdoors, I walk around the area where they are practicing….and why not, I’m already there!
Find a friend to walk with
This one is tried and true….build on new friendships (neighbors, co-workers, other parents at school/sports, etc.) and old friendships by holding each other accountable, and setting goals together!
I’ve been able to maintain 10,000 steps per day (and often more!) for quite some time now. I feel so much better with more activity and very accomplished. I have especially found that my stamina and stress level have improved.
My next “step” (pun intended) is to increase my daily goal to 12,500 or 15,000 steps.
Do you have any tips/tricks to increasing daily step counts and/or activity?