We’ve all heard the cliché about 10,000 steps each day. Of course, most experts now believe that the 10,000 figure is somewhat arbitrary and possibly unnecessary.
That isn’t to say, though, that it isn’t a good figure to aim for. The more you walk during the day, the more active you are, which can only be healthy for you and your body.
Your Steps Over Time, Versus All At Once
There is one caveat to the concept of 10,000 steps being the foundation for good health. Many people will attempt to complete these steps throughout the course of a day.
Fitbit, for example, has an hourly tracker that pushes you to get in some of these steps by getting up and moving 250 steps every hour. It’s a fantastic concept for folks who work at a desk and need a reminder.
While this is a significant improvement over not taking any steps at all, research has shown that 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day is a critical step everyone can take to enhance their health.
Because vigorous exercise may provide even more benefits, many 10k supporters prefer to pick up the pace and complete their 5 miles while jogging or running.
Whether you do it this way or the little by little strategy, one thing is certain: you’ll want to move. So, what’s the best way to make the most of your steps?
1. Make It About Having a Break
When working a sedentary job, a decent rule of thumb is to get up once each hour and move for ten minutes. When you’re in an office, this may not seem realistic, but you’d be surprised.
You may obtain the same benefits as walking around the block by simply standing up and walking in place.
Consider it a brief but necessary respite.
2. Use Step Tracking To Keep You Aware Of Activity
When you are distracted, it is quite easy to lose track of time. Before you know it, a Saturday has been squandered on the couch binge-watching Netflix and devouring a whole bag of Doritos.
However, if you are aware of the steps remaining in the day, you can ensure that you get up and move.
3. Challenge Your Friends
Many activity trackers allow you to challenge your friends to a competition to see who can walk the most steps in a day or week. It can be a fun way to stay in shape while staying in touch with the people you care about.
4. Use It To Lose Weight
According to some experts, walking 10,000 steps can have a serious impact on your waistline. On average, it can burn as much as 3500 calories per week, equaling one pound of fat loss when used alongside a proper diet.
5. Relax
Walking is a great way to unwind. It can help you unwind, digest food, burn calories, and sleep better at night if you go out for 30 to 40 minutes after supper.
You may also listen to podcasts, listen to audiobooks, and play games like Pokemon Go.
6. Run Errands and Do Chores
Walking while running errands and doing chores around the house is a fantastic way to get in some steps while being productive.
Go to the store and spend some additional time looking at the merchandise and walking down each aisle. Instead of driving, walk to the nearest bank. Vacuum the entire house and mow the grass.
7. Make Sedentary Time Active Time
Are you planning on watching a TV show for a couple of hours? Walk-in place while you are doing it. Get a standing desk and move while you work. Take the time you would have been sedentary, and make it more active.
Get Moving!
Taking 10,000 steps a day is a great way to make sure you are getting a good amount of activity regardless of your level of movement through the rest of the day. Make those steps count, and get moving!