Easy Ways to Hit 10,000 Steps a Day

Part of reaching your health and fitness goals is literally putting one foot in front of the other … over and over and over. Walking is one of the best, and easiest, activities for losing weight and staying fit. To reap the most benefits, the gold standard is 10,000 steps a day. While that number might be a little daunting, we’ve got some tips to help you reach that mark in no time.

Modern day setups make it difficult to stay active. Many people who work desk jobs sit for eight to nine hours a day, plus the time spent sitting in a car or on public transportation commuting to and from work. It may seem like you have no time to fit in 10,000 steps a day, but there are numerous ways to reach your goal, and most of them are simple lifestyle changes.

Increase Little by Little

Starting out with a 10,000-step goal sets you up for a challenge. Instead, aim to increase your steps by a few hundred each day or week. Setting smaller, more manageable goals along the way is a great way to celebrate your improvement and helps break down your larger goal.

Squeeze Steps into the Workday

If you need to use the bathroom or water fountain at work, pick one that’s farther away from your desk, or even on a different floor. You can also set an hourly reminder to get up and take a lap around the office.

Park Farther Away

Quit fighting over those precious first-row parking spots and park your car in the farthest corner in the parking lot. Every extra minute of walking you do from your car to that building’s door gets you closer to hitting your daily 10,000 step goal.

Take the Stairs

At work, at the mall, at the train station, anywhere! Skipping the elevator and taking the stairs will help you get your steps in, while also strengthening your cardiovascular system. Every flight of stairs you add to your day is roughly the equivalent to taking 38 steps on flat ground.

Consider Using a Pedometer To Track Your Steps.

Regularly using a step tracker can help you stay accountable! Realizing that it’s already 4 p.m. and you’ve taken only 1,000 steps might be the extra motivation you need to go for a quick walk before dinner.