It is just not how many calories you eat every day, but also how many of them you burn when trying to lose weight. Therefore, it is very important to be active on a day to day basis so you can burn major portion of the calories you gain through food. These days, everyone uses FitBit® like applications to encourage them to walk 10,000 steps per day. How can one do that when they have a desk or sedentary job? Let us take a look at some easy ways to add extra steps to one’s day:
1. When you go to the mall
There are many ways to add steps at the neighborhood mall. First of all, you can easily walk to the nearest mall instead of taking your car or the public transport. Inside the mall, do not use the elevator/escalator. Walk up and down the stairs. Also circle the mall once or twice (on foot, not in the care!). Most malls are huge and circling them once or twice can easily help you add 10,000 steps indoors. The same is the case with your grocery store-walk several times around the outer aisles before or after shopping.
2. Go back to school
No-not to study, but to add steps! Your neighborhood schools have tracks where you can easily walk to burn calories and you can easily add 2000 steps in 4 laps.
3. Use the stairs more/perform household chores indoors
Indoors, you can easily get more steps in a day for FitBit® by climbing the steps several times. You can dust the furniture, wash bathrooms, clean the kitchen, make extra trips to the laundry room and garden etc to add more steps. Also march in place or jog while watching TV.
4. Walk when waiting/conducting meetings
Many phone meetings can be conducted while you walk around your office. Why not roam the halls while waiting for your doctor appointment? This is an easy way to get 1000 steps fast.
5. Distract yourself with music/stories
The easiest way to get 10000 steps at home or outside is to listen to music or audio books while walking. Invest in a good pair of headphone and download great music apps. Many free sites also stream music continuously.
6. Walk with a buddy
As you talk when you with a good friend, the time will go by faster and soon you will complete your daily 1000 steps or more. This is an easy way to get 10000 steps in winter or summer. It will also keep you more accountable. Try walking down to your friend’s house instead of using the car or bus.
7. Walk your kids to school
To get 1000 steps fast, drop and pick your kids from school without a car. This will also incorporate a love for fitness in children’s minds.
8. Walk your pet
Get off the couch! Walk your dog twice a day-the exercise will benefit your pet and you will get your 1000 steps a lot faster.
9. Join a charity walk
Do something nice in the process of adding more steps to your day. Try running or walking for a cause. Many marathon events are organized in summers; avail of them. Sign up for their newsletters and join training groups which meet weekly for training.
10. Walk after and before meals
Encourage your family to catch up with each other over post/pre-meal walks. This is the easiest way to get 1000 steps fast and also get the entire family on board of your fitness goals. Walking before bedtime will also help you sleep better.
11. Get off the bus or train early
Walking an hour before work can help you increase productive and beat stress. Try getting off a stop/station away when using the bus/train and walk the rest of the way to work.
12. Use a treadmill
The best way to get 10000 steps in winter or on rainy days is to walk on a treadmill.
13. At work
Walk over to colleague’s desk/cabin, fill up your coffee cup with the machine farthest to you, or walk to the farthest restroom. You can also hold meetings as you walk. Avoid elevators as far as possible. If you stay close enough, walk to work. If driving down, park your vehicle a block away and walk the remaining way. Walk down to nearest store to buy meals/coffee/treats for your colleagues. You can also create step competition with colleagues or encourage colleagues to join you on your walking breaks. Why not start a weekend office walking club while you are at it?
Try these 13 easy ways and add more steps on a daily basis.