10 Creative Ways to Sneak More Walking Into your Day
Walking is the simplest form of exercise
and the easiest way to improve your health. It does not require any
special equipment and can literally be done anywhere. The health
benefits of regular walking are plenty - it promotes weight loss,
reduces stress and anxiety, boosts metabolism, improves sleep quality,
and more. But knowing you should walk more is one thing and actually
doing so is another.
Many of us have busy schedules or set
routines, and finding time to set aside solely for walking isn’t always
an easy task. Luckily, sneaking in extra steps while going about your
daily routine isn’t difficult at all. In the article below, we gathered
10 creative ways to increase your daily step count and enjoy all the
above-listed benefits of walking without breaking a sweat.
1. Team up with a friend
There is no better way to motivate yourself
to do any exercise than making it a social event. The next time you go
on a walk, invite a friend, your partner, or anyone else you enjoy
spending time with. It's even better if you can both fit the walks into
your routine and make it a habit.
You will walk more and barely notice the extra steps as you’re catching
up. If no one is free to take a walk with you at the moment, you could
also catch up with friends or family on the phone.
2. Get a step counting app
Counting your own steps is nearly
impossible, and let’s admit it, it's quite boring too. Luckily, many
apps are designed just for that purpose. Some phones come with a
built-in pedometer that you only need to turn on. Alternatively, you
could download an app that offers more features than just a step
counter. For example, measuring the distance you have walked, tracking
burned calories, and more.
One such recommended app is Fitbit. In addition to being a step tracker,
this app can also log your food and hydration each day while managing
your health and fitness goals. Click here to get it for iOS or Android.
3. Play with the kids or grandkids
One demographic that doesn’t struggle to
get in plenty of steps during the day is children. And they make it fun,
too. If you have kids or grandkids who visit you often, then you’re in
luck - you basically have your own little personal trainer!
Playing tag or kickball, chasing after an energetic toddler, playing on
the playground, or simply taking a stroller walk are all fun ways to
bond with kids while also getting more steps in.
4. Take the stairs
4. Take the stairs
Unfortunately, Covid-19 is still not
entirely a thing of the past, and that is just one reason to avoid
cramped elevators. Not only is climbing the stairs safer in that regard,
but it is also a great opportunity to exercise. If your destination
floor is the second or third, make it a habit to opt for the stairs.
Finding those little moments to sneak in more walking during the day is
key to increasing your activity without breaking a sweat, according to
fitness expert Erin Paruszewski.
5. Do yard work
It’s virtually impossible to do gardening
without walking around quite a bit. From weeding to walking up and down
garden beds or just watering your existing plants and flowers, gardening
always ends up being a workout. And that’s great!
Moreover, it’s not the only benefit of this activity either. Studies
prove gardening does wonders for our mental health. “Interacting with
nature, especially with the presence of water, can increase self-esteem
and mood, reduce anger, and improve general psychological well-being
with positive effects on emotions or behavior,” said Dr. Charlie Hall to
AgriLife.
6. Drink more water
Drinking plenty of water is generally
always good advice. ‘But how could it increase my steps per day?' you
might be asking yourself. Well, you’ll quickly discover that the more
water you drink, the more bathroom trips you will need. And nothing
motivates you to get up and get moving more than a full bladder.
This might sound funny or insignificant. But according to many personal
trainers and fitness experts, every little bit helps when it comes to
increasing your daily step count. You could get even more walking in if
you choose a bathroom that is a little further away or one on a
different floor altogether.
7. Take a scenic route
7. Take a scenic route
The fastest route between points A and B
isn’t always the one worth taking. If you have time and energy to spare,
you can add extra steps en route to a specific destination by finding a
different path. In addition to fitting more activity in your day, you
could discover new and beautiful parts of your town or city you wouldn’t
have noticed otherwise.
8. Change your parking spot
Parking further away from your destination
guarantees you take more steps every day. It also makes the task of
finding a parking space much easier. No more circling around the parking
lot to find the most convenient spot while racing with the other
drivers to be the first to occupy it.
Whether you’re going to the gym, the grocery store, or the coffee shop,
park as far away as possible to get those extra steps in your day.
9. Take active breaks
If you have a job or a general routine that
requires you to sit down for long hours, your breaks are the perfect
time to get moving. Staying in one spot is far from being the only way
to relax. For example, you could use your break to practice mindful
walking, which will help calm your hectic thoughts and be the light
exercise you need.
10. Find a dog to walk
Dog owners have the perfect excuse to get
out of the house and move around a few times a day, every day. For that
reason, dog owners have longer life spans compared to the rest of the
population.
If there is a dog in your household, consider taking over the
dog-walking responsibilities (if you haven’t done so already). Of
course, we are aware that not everyone has a dog, and adopting one is
not a viable option for everyone. If this is the case for you, but you
crave the company of a furry friend, you could donate some of your free
time to volunteer at a local dog shelter or offer help to a loved one
who owns a dog.
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