Five Ways to Get More Walking in Each Day

Walking is fundamental

Most health and nutrition experts say that each of us should walk 10,000 steps each day, which is five miles. If you believe you don't have the time to get in this many steps each day, I have good news. You can make simple changes that will increase how much you walk on a daily basis. There are five simple ways to walk more each day. They are especially beneficial for those who are unable to get out and walk down a country road, go to the gym or walk on a trail. Each step you take helps keep your entire body in working order and studies say it will lengthen your life.

1. WALK DURING TELEVISION COMMERCIALS

Don't be a couch potato. Even if you are older and retired and around the house most of the time, you can walk during the television programs you watch. Most television commercials today are five minutes long. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish in this period of time.

I once took a shortcut to a convenience store during a commercial, made it back home and walked around the house. I walked close to 500 steps, which is about two and a half blocks. What you should begin doing is as soon as an advertisement comes on the TV, get up and start walking around the inside of your home. Every 200 steps equal one block, and 10 blocks make one mile. Count your steps and you may be surprised how much walking you have done by the time your program comes back on.

2. PARK FURTHER AWAY FROM STORES

The next time you go to the mall, church, or a grocery store, park further away than usual. This is a great way to get in extra steps which will burn more calories. If you cannot keep up with counting how many steps you take, then invest in a pedometer that will do the counting for you. Star by parking just a little bit further so you do not wear yourself out. As you become comfortable walking more, you can begin parking even further away. You might also consider taking your grocery shopping cart back to the store instead of leaving it in the parking lot. This will add even more steps to your day.

3. WALK IN PLACE

Whenever you are at home, make a conscious effort to stand up often and walk in place. Lift your legs high and march like a soldier. Develop a routine such as stepping in place when you get out of bed in the morning and before retiring each evening. You can even step in place instead of walking around your house during the TV commercials.

4. UTILIZE YOUR LUNCH HOUR

If possible, walk during your lunch hour. Depending on where you work, you can walk inside your place of employment, walk outdoors around the building or walk in the parking lot. If there is a nearby park or trail, you can get a few coworkers to join in with you.

5. WALK INSTEAD OF DRIVING

If you feel safe in your neighborhood, consider walking to convenience stores, the library, hairdresser or other places you normally would drive that are only a few blocks away. In addition to being a great exercise, you will save gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.

Whenever it is possible please do walk outdoors, because the fresh air and oxygen from the trees will do you a world of good. Before you know it you may have added a mile or two each day to how much you normally walk. Remember to take your time and to rest whenever you need to.

If you make the necessary changes and incorporate these five suggestions into your everyday routine, you will be glad. You will get in more steps every day, which will improve your overall health. Please make sure to check off any changes with your healthcare provider. Be mindful of any medication you are taking that may cause dizziness or warns you to stay out of the sun. Now get to stepping.

A bonus way to walk

If you watch network television you may have noticed that commercials are 5 minutes long now. You can use the commercial time to walk around your home inside or out. I once lived in a neighborhood where a store was 2 blocks away. I could job to the store, make my purchase, and return home by the time the television program came back on. This was a fun goal that I reached most of the time.