Top Tips To Help You Reach Your 10k Step Goal
We all know that getting our daily steps in is important, but some days it just doesn’t seem feasible. You’ve exercised, done the school run, and walked the dog, but you’re still a few thousand steps short of the recommended 10,000 steps a day. It can be infuriating, however, don’t lose hope, instead try some of the following top tips to help you to reach your 10k step goal.
Make multiple trips – even around the home.
If you’re anything like me, you are guilty of piling as many items as possible into your arms in order to avoid making more than one trip. Not only is this extremely inconvenient most of the time, but it’s also costing you steps!
Instead of carrying as many shopping bags in one go as is possible from the car to your kitchen, simply take multiple trips. The same principle applies to life around your home too.
For example, if you’re downstairs sorting out your family’s laundry and you need to take it upstairs to each bedroom, don’t pile it all in one basket, instead make multiple trips up and deliver the laundry to each room individually.
Invest in a treadmill desk or a walking pad for use at home.
Enlist the company of a walking buddy.
For some people walking alone is a form of therapy, for others, it’s much more enjoyable with a friend or dog. Having a friend to accompany you on your walks not only holds you accountable, but it also gives you the motivation to keep moving and keep challenging yourself. Together you can explore new places and enjoy the experience of connecting socially whilst also maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
Ditch the lift and use the stairs instead.
This is a common tactic used by those looking to up their step count, but for a good reason: it works! This tip to help you reach your 10k step goal can be used just about anywhere, whether you’re at work or heading through the shopping mall’s levels.
Participate in YouTube walking videos.
On those days when you just don’t fancy getting outside, or you’re already tucked up in your dressing gown and slippers, enlist the help of YouTube. There are hundreds of step workout videos on YouTube that are designed to help you to reach your 10k step goal. These can all be done from the comfort of your own home, slippers and all!
Park further away from the shop.
It’s a simple tip to help you to reach your 10k step goal, but it’s also one that barely impacts on your day whilst still contributing to your step count. Heading to the nearest superstore? Park at the back of the car park and walk to the store. Need to run some errands in town? Park your car in a central location and complete all your errands on foot, rather than driving to each place individually.
One last tip to help you reach your 10k step goal…
Walking on the spot. Yes, you may feel a bit daft, but walking on the spot – or walking in a loop around your home – is a simple way to up your step count without much effort. Pop your favourite TV show on and get walking – but don’t forget to move your arms to ensure your exercise tracker records your steps.
Roundup
- Get a Dog: A pet can be a great motivator for daily walks.
- Take the Stairs: Opt for stairs over elevators for extra steps.
- Moving Breaks: Use breaks at work to walk around the office or block.
- Treadmill Desk: If you work from home, a treadmill desk can help you walk while you work.
- Park Far Away: Choose parking spots further from your destination to add more steps.
- Join a Step Challenge: Compete with friends for motivation.
- Errand Walks: Walk between errands instead of driving when possible.
- Post-Dinner Walks: Make a habit of a walk after dinner to relax and get in more steps.
