Hit Your Steps Goal even with Your Busy Schedule
Walking is one of the easiest and most convenient forms of exercise. Many
studies show that walking can be beneficial if you want to lose weight,
keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of developing high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Even without fancy gym equipment,
you can easily burn up to 500 calories a day by putting in 10,000 steps.
It may seem a high number, but this is totally doable considering that
an average person walks about 3,000 to 5,000 steps a day. With a little
motivation and creativity, it is easy to increase and eventually hit your
steps goal.
Get Yourself a Pedometer
A pedometer is a wearable device that can count and record the number of
steps you take. For many individuals, seeing their progress in real time
is not only rewarding, it can also be a good motivation for them to beat
their record each day. Most pedometers or fitness trackers in the market
today usually have features, such as group challenges and reminders to
move that can help you increase your number of steps.
Break it Up
You don’t have to hit your 10,000 steps in one standing. If you do
not have the luxury of time to hit your steps goal, try breaking it up
throughout the day. The number of steps you do per hour may vary depending
on your schedule. But if you try putting in 250 steps per hour, you would
surely be hitting your goal by the end of the day.
Take the Stairs instead of the Elevator
If your office is at the third or fifth level of your building, you may
try walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Walking up the
stairs actually burn more calories and may even get you to your location
faster as there is no waiting time in taking the stairs.
Park Your Car in a Far-Away Space
Parking at the back of the lot or maybe two blocks away from your destination
is a good trick to help you increase your steps. It may even save you
time finding a parking space every morning since most car owners are on
the lookout for the nearest one to their destination.
Start Pacing
While waiting for your morning coffee or your lunch takeout, instead of
standing around, start pacing. Your goal is to keep moving and these in-between
minutes are a good opportunity to walk around. Pace around while taking
a call on your cellphone. Walk around your kitchen while waiting for your
food to heat. If there is no space for you to pace around, you may also
try walking in place.
Walking is a fun and easy way to start an active lifestyle. You can do
it anywhere and it’s an ideal workout for many people including
pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals who suffer from joint pain
or high blood pressure.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.