10 Ways to Fit More Walking into Your Life
Sedentary workers take about 2000 steps a day yet they say that 10,000 should be our aim for good health.
While you can dispute that we actually need to do that much exercise to stay fit, more walking can only do us good.
Ten thousand steps is about 45 minutes worth of walking a day. That’s not a lot but finding that spare time is a problem for most of us.
If you want to walk but you just can’t take 45 minutes out of your busy schedule to go for a long walk, try these ways of fitting more walking naturally into your life.
1. Go Further
Walk to the furthest coffee machine, photocopier, bathroom and sandwich place so that you take a few extra steps each time. And park in the space which is furthest away from the front door. If you use public transport get off a stop earlier.
2. Walk and talk
Walk around while you are on the phone. (Cordless or cellphone)
3. Get a Dog
You will have to walk more to keep your dog happy.
4. Don’t Wait, Pace
If you are waiting for a train, a bus or a friend move around rather than standing in one place. And try this at home too when you are waiting for the kettle to boil or the microwave to cook your food.
5. Take the stairs every time
Every step counts so shun the elevator and find the nearest stairwell.
6. Walk before breakfast
A 10 minute walk before breakfast will set you up for the day and boost your metabolism. Set your alarm clock a little earlier and just do it.
7. Be Sociable
Combine walking with your social life. Meet friends for a walk at weekends rather than a drink or a meal. If you enjoy country walks join a walking club. Plan active outings for your kids or make a walk after dinner a family tradition (start when the kids are young!)
8. Shop Locally on Foot
Instead of taking the car to the store once a week, support the small shops in your area and buy your food fresh every couple of days.
9. Have a Lunchtime Walk
Instead of eating at your desk, get out and about. It’s great to clear your head for the afternoon too.
10. Get a Pedometer
A pedometer will let you see how many steps you are taking and encourage you to take a few more each day. Start just by measuring how many steps you take in a day and then aim to increase the number by 20% each week until you reach 10,000.
The most accurate pedometers are digital such as the ACCUSPLIT AE170 Pedometer
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I love your list, and would add one more item, which I blogged about today,
How to Save on Gas, be Green, and Stay in Shape
http://www.iowaavenue.com/profiles/blog/show?id=774881%3ABlogPost%3A25924
Thanks for your comment Lisa – yes, public transportation is certainly a good way to get more walking done – and we have even more incentive over here in the UK where gas prices are $9.71 per gallon. (A huge percentage is tax paid to the Uk government – I think about 75%)
You still see people driving their cars down to the local store to collect the milk and newspapers though – less than 10 minutes walk – mad!
All excellent ideas. I re-discovered walking (I did it for years, then stopped when i started working at home–big mistake) and am blogging about the benefits for myself and (hopefully) others.
With the cost of gas skyrocketing (they’re now saying it’ll be near $10 a gallon in the US soon) people are going to have to spend less time in their cars, and more time walking. But given the obesity problem in the US, that could be a blessing in disguise.
In any case, feel free to check out my blog, where I’ve just added a link to this post.
http://iwalkforhealth.blogspot.com/2008/04/walking-on-our-minds.html