Looking after our health is essential – as most of us know, the best way to stay healthy is to have a balanced lifestyle combined with exercise and a good diet. As the world faces a global pandemic, most of us have experienced a severe impact on how we exercise as the local gyms and sport leisure centers remain shut. Walking has been one of the most popular forms of physical activity over the past year and many of us are looking for ways to increase steps taken over the day. In this article, we will discuss six ways to increase your daily steps routine.
Reduce Car Use
One of the best and simplest ways to increase your daily steps routine is by reducing the number of times you use your vehicle. Most drivers are guilty of stepping in the vehicle to get to places even when it is a short distance. It may be quicker to get there by car but an extra 20-minute walk to the shop or the post office will make a significant difference to your health and the environment.
Park Further Away
If you have to drive somewhere, try to park farther away than you need so that you can get more steps in. Evidently, it is more practical to park right next door to the place we are visiting, but this may hinder your ability to increase your daily steps.
Use Equipment
Increasing your steps routine does not necessarily mean going outside and walking. You may feel more comfortable when using stepping machines or other appropriate equipment to promote walking. You can do this whilst watching TV or listening to music and you will certainly get it done quickly and easily.
Walk at Every Opportunity
One of the biggest factors of those that lead sedentary lifestyles includes the excuse that they simply do not have the time to go out and walk. Even if you are very busy, if you put some effort into it, you will realize that there are many opportunities available for you to take a few steps. If you are waiting for something, walk. If you are talking to someone, ask the other person to walk and talk. It may be that you will only take a few steps during these occasions, but when adding it all up, it will accumulate to a surge in your number.
Do Household Chores
Walking in your home is something that you can do – so even if you are busy with chores, utilize these to take more steps during the day. Cleaning the house actually burns calories when done properly, and you can certainly do this to walk more around the house. If you have many chores to get around the house, you can complete these whilst increasing your steps. Walk whilst using the vacuum cleaner or dusting and get to every corner of the house. If you have stairs, make it a goal to walk up and down them as much as you can – if you do this you will surely feel the benefits in your body and your steps count.
Find a Walking Partner or Group
If you do not want to be on this journey alone, joining a walking group or finding a partner is a great way to increase your daily steps routine whilst also working on your social skills and enhancing your social circle.
Walking is a great form of exercise and the more you do it the more beneficial it will be. If you are interested in walking as physical activity, make sure to use the tips discussed on this page to increase your daily steps routine.
