Many people find it difficult to take their steps every day, while others take them for granted. But we aren’t walking nearly as often as we should, and sedentary lifestyles are taking a toll on our health.
Fortunately, there are plenty of reasons to get up and get moving. Here are 7 easy ways to increase your daily step count.
1. Watch the way you work
While sitting down to work is great for getting things done, but it isn’t always the healthiest way to work. Studies have shown that standing to work using an adjustable desk can increase overall productivity by a significant amount.
Desk height can vary from 4 to 8 inches. Choose a height that makes it easier to move around, while still being able to see and edit documents. This is an easy way to increase your daily step count and get more done during the day.
2. Walk to your local cafe for coffee
If you want to increase your daily step count, you need to get your morning caffeine kick outside of the house. Walking out of the house for a coffee and a pastry is a great way to start your day.
You can even turn it into an exercise in itself by adding a few additional steps with each cup. Plus, it’s better for you than having another cup of coffee at work.
3. Take the stairs
Let’s be honest here: stairwells are often overlooked, especially if there’s a lift right next to them. But the truth is that elevators are lazy shortcuts we should avoid whenever possible. They encourage a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to serious health issues like obesity and poor circulation.
Take the stairs every chance you get, and you’ll start building up some extra stamina as well as a daily step count that puts you ahead of the game. Increasing your daily step count by even just a few steps can make all the difference in your overall health and happiness.
4. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone
You’re probably not going to get in better shape by staying in your comfort zone. You might be getting stuck in your old routine, causing you to stay inactive and gaining weight. Sometimes we just need a change, and it can be an amazing thing to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Try new workouts, try walking the stairs at work or take the elevator instead of the stairs.
5. Surround yourself with others
If you start to feel discouraged and like you’re not going to reach your goals, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Surround yourself with friends and family who support your goals… or even a group of people who are already taking steps towards their personal health and happiness.
There are many ways to increase your daily step count. For example, using apps that track steps or your activity levels. Alternatively, you could arrange to meet up with other people to walk, run, or bike together. Socialising and fitness — two birds, one stone!
6. Make it a habit
Take it easy when you first start. It’s worth it to make sure you’re comfortable, but don’t take it too easy at first.
Just because you can go to a local cafe and get a coffee doesn’t mean you should stop when you get there. Keep taking steps, keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and take small steps to reach your long-term goals!
7. Get a pedometer
A pedometer will help you keep track of your steps, encouraging you to make small changes in your lifestyle that will lead to bigger changes in your life. Just because you went for a run one night doesn’t mean it’s okay to stop running!
Keep going. Make it a part of your daily routine, and it’ll become just as natural as brushing your teeth.
Turning your effort into action is the key to successful weight loss. Increasing your daily step count by even a small percentage will have a dramatic impact on your overall health and on your weight loss journey. After your workout, you might be tired, but once you get home and think about all the steps you took and how amazing you feel, it’ll make you want to keep going! You’ll notice it in the way your clothes fit better, in how much energy you have during the day and in how happy it feels to be taking control of your life.
This is the easiest way to increase your daily step count. All it takes is a little effort - and the effort is worth it!
