How to Add 10,000 Steps Without Breaking a Sweat
By Sandy Schroeder
If you do the math, 10,000 steps actually works out to be about five miles per day! No wonder we become intimidated as we sit and work all day, and then sit some more in the evening. Racking up that many steps sounds a bit daunting, but the good news is it can be done with a few strategic changes.
Making room for lots of steps wherever you go, from a morning walk around the block to that last walk at night to take the dog out, can actually help you master your quota, according to Prevention.com.
To get started, the best step might be a visit to The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. The Joint’s licensed chiropractors help everyone from teens to seniors find real health, wellness and fitness solutions every day.
When you come in, your chiropractor will want to hear about your normal routine and health history. Together you can assess your spinal health and put together a fitness plan that works for you.
How to Start Walking More
Park way in the back – Wherever you go, add steps in the parking lots at the supermarket, school or work, by parking in the back. Keep an extra pair of sneakers in your car and walk while you are waiting for your kids, too. Each extra minute of walking can add 84 steps.
Walk and talk at work – Promote the idea of walking discussions to replace sit down meetings. Many people are discovering they think better on their feet, making the meetings much more productive.
Use your feet to stay in touch – Instead of emailing or calling during the day, get up and go see your co-workers. Face-to-face meetings can add a whole new dimension, plus extra steps.
Avoid elevators – Wherever you are, look for the steps. Each flight of stairs adds 38 more steps.
Move to the music – Add music to your daily walks, or invite everyone to dance at home, adding another batch of effortless steps. I usually stay on the treadmill much longer if I am listening to my favorite songs.
Weekend garden or mow – Making time outside to get ready for winter can add about 120 steps per minute with 30 minutes of outdoor work adding more than 1,500 steps.
Take the kids to the park – Build in an hour a day after work with the kids. Try to keep up with them on the monkey bars, or do a few competition sprints.
Once you start to boost your daily quota of steps you may discover even more ways to make it work. Keep looking and stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to get some valuable assistance. Find out about the affordable personal healthcare plans that require no insurance, and the flexible weekend and evening hours, too. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mesa, Ariz.