10 Ways to Get 10,000 Steps

Where did this magic number of 10,000 steps a day come from and why should we aim to get this many? The American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control endorse the 10,000 step goal to keep fit and avoid disease.  Wearable fitness trackers are popular and can make it fun to challenge yourself. Not everyone has the time or desire to go to the gym. 

Here are a few fun ways to help get your 10,000 steps throughout the day. 

1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
2. Walk the dog or volunteer at your local shelter.
3. Take a 5 minute walk every hour. 
4. Get it yourself. Don’t ask anyone to get you anything. Get up and ask if anyone else needs something. 
5. Practice an active hobby like photography or bird watching that can have you moving for hours outdoors. 
6. Window shop. You don’t have to spend a penny. 
7. Get organized. Clean your closet, de-clutter areas of your home as putting things away can rack up steps. 
8. Be a tourist in your own town. Visit the museums, zoo, or other area attractions.
9. Do something good for the environment. Volunteer to pick up trash on the beach or clean up your local park. 
10. Pull the weeds. Then walk around and admire the yard. 

Remember, goals are something to work toward. Sedentary people average 2000-3000 steps a day. If this is you, aim for 5,000 steps a day to start then work your way up by adding an additional 500 steps a day. You can do it!

“The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination; it is essentially part of it.”   Charles DeLint