9 Tips for Getting in 10,000 Steps a Day

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9 Tips for Getting in 10,000 Steps a Day

Have you yet to reach that 10,000-step mark with your fitness tracker? No need to worry! With these tips you’ll be able to reach your goal in no time!

How Many Steps Do You Really Take in a Day?

According to many experts, 10,000 steps (four to five miles) is an ideal daily walking goal for the average adult. But reaching this number can be pretty daunting, especially since the average person only walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day.

To achieve a daily goal of 10,000 you’ll have to get creative and rethink some of your typical daily activities. Listed below are a few ideas to help you get started.

9 Tips for Reaching 10,000 Steps a Day

Skip the perfect parking space

Next time you go shopping don’t waste time searching the parking lot for the perfect parking space. Instead, park your car as far away as possible. This will add a few extra steps to your daily total.

Take the stairs

This is sometimes easier said than done, especially if the floor you need to reach is pretty high up. But if you don’t want to climb up all those stairs at least take the stairs coming down.

Walk more at work

If you have a desk job, try to squeeze more exercise into your work schedule. Consider having “walk-and-talk” meetings or use one of your breaks to walk around the building. You can also try working at a treadmill desk.

Miss your stop (on purpose)

Do you use public transit? Consider getting off the train or bus one stop before or after your usual destination. This will lengthen your walk and give you just a bit more exercise.

Say no to takeout

Making your own dinner is not only healthier it can also help you reach your step goal. As you walk throughout the kitchen cutting veggies and prepping the dinner table, you’ll be adding steps to your daily total. And when you’re done you’ll have a healthier meal to eat.

Forget the dishwasher

Instead of loading the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, consider washing them by hand. You’ll gain hundreds of steps just by walking about the sink as you hand-wash your tableware.

Get off the couch

Turn your TV time into exercise time. Start doing some couch potato exercises! Every hour of television has roughly 15 minutes of commercial breaks. Use this time to do jumping jacks or lunges across the room.

Take the dog on an extra walk

If you have some time to spare, consider taking the family dog on an extra walk in the mornings or evenings. They’ll love it and you’ll get a few extra steps.

Keep your house in tip-top shape

Vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, dusting, and tidying up clutter are all chores that keep you on your feet. By doing these chores more often your house will be cleaner and you’ll be closer to reaching your goal of 10,000 steps a day.