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Creative Ways to Add More Steps to Your Day

3 min read

By Emily Lockhart

Having trouble thinking of ways to get off your duff?

Here are 20 easy ways you can fit more steps per day to reduce the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle…

Get Rid of Your Television Remote and Actually Get Up to Change Channels.

Park Further Away From Your Office Building or Store so You Have to Walk Farther to the Door.

Get off the Bus or Subway a Few Stops Before Your Usual Stop and Enjoy a Brisk Walk to Work.

Use the Stairs at Your Workplace—Rather Than the Elevator.

Instead of Just Leaning on the Escalator, Use it as a Staircase and Start Stepping Rather Than Just Standing Still.

When You Make a Phone Call, Stand and Pace Rather Than Sitting—It Will Make You More Alert as You Talk.

Rather Than Calling Your Neighbor, Walk Over to Their House and Say Hello Live.

Eat Lunch at Your Desk and Use Your Break as a Walking Opportunity.

Hit the Public Trails on the Weekends, or Better Yet, Use Them to Commute to Work and School.

Skip or Run on the Spot During Television Commercials.

Choose to do Errands Closer to Home so You Can Walk, or Park the Car at a Further and Walk a Few Blocks to the Store.

Always Return the Shopping Cart After You Grocery Shop.

Ban Drive-Thrus From Your Day Altogether—Park the Car, Get Out and Place Your Coffee Order.

At Work, Give Yourself a Mandatory Break Every 30-Minutes To Go To The Restroom (on Another Floor) and Stretch Your Legs.

Walk Your Dog Before and After Work.

Get Involved at Your Kids to Sports Practice, Stand on the Sidelines and Cheer Rather Than Sitting and Catching Up on Email.

Organize a Workplace Walking or Running Group and Meet to Walk Together During Lunch or After Work.

Always Take a 20-Minute Walk After Dinner—It’s Healthy and it Will Help You Digest Your Dinner.

Start Using a Pedometer and Set a Goal of Minimum Steps Per Day and Week.

Looking for Fun Family Activities—Register for a Charity Walk on a Weekend.

Looking for other healthy living articles? Check these out:

Emily Lockhart

Contributor

Emily Lockhart is a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer. She believes that being healthy is a lifestyle choice, not a punishment or temporary fix to attain a desired fitness or body image goal. Anna helps her clients take responsibility for their own health and wellness through her classes and articles on ActiveBeat.

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