Increase Your Step Count With These Tips
By Rachel Carver
Sitting is now known as the new smoking. Between our offices and living rooms, many of us end up sitting for long periods. The phenomenon of finding ways to counteract sitting with 10,000 steps is turning out to be quite effective. We now have step trackers on our cell phones and smartwatches, which make it easy to track progress.
Tracking steps is fun for many people, but walking at least 10,000 steps gives you health benefits such as these.
- Improve heart strength
- Store less body fat
- Stabilize blood sugar
- Improve brain performance
- Make healthy habits stick with you
Here are some ways to increase your daily step count.
Walk Each Morning
An outdoor morning walk can help your circadian rhythm, which regulates your sleep and wake cycle. Short walks before your day begins can increase your energy level, stop cravings, and raise your step count.
Remind Yourself to Move
Too much sitting can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions. A five-minute break can make a big difference in your overall health. Setting an alarm to move once every hour can also improve your concentration and help you take more steps.
Don't Sit During Phone Calls
Take a stroll outside or walk around your office while on a conference call or catching up with a friend. The time will move much faster.
Park in the Back
It's tempting to find the closest parking spot to the door for efficiency and convenience. However, you sometimes end up circling the lot trying to find the best spot. You can save gas and increase your step count by parking further from the door.
Take the Stairs
Escalators and elevators are nice, especially when you are tired or right after a long day. However, they will not help you take more daily steps. Choose the stairs whenever possible to burn calories and work more muscles. The steps will add up if you use stairs multiple times per day.
Get Outside
Take advantage of nice weather days with some outdoor fun. Find a walking trail to explore with your family, or take up an outdoor hobby such as bird watching. Research parks in your area and visit a new one.
Walk Your Dog
Like people, dogs need regular exercise. Your best friend can be a great walking partner, and most dogs love walks. If you do not have a dog, check local shelters to see if you can help exercise their dogs.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Myers, Fla.