One of the easiest lifestyle changes to improve your well being is to find opportunities to walk more throughout the day. With the M3 Pledge, the goal is a healthy 7500 steps daily. For many, this is a big challenge, especially for those of us with desk jobs.
According to health.com, it takes 10,000 steps a day to burn 500 calories, but let’s start with 7500 for now, which would be about 375 calories. You can increase that number as you set new goals.
It can seem daunting if you’re not usually the active type, but we’ve put together a few tips to help you reach your goal and acquire a more mobile lifestyle.
Park Farther Away
Don’t worry about fighting off the early birds to get a spot close to the building. In fact, parking farther away is to your benefit! Whether you’re headed to work, school or the gym, an extra minute of walking from your car door to the front door can quickly add up.
Take the Stairs
You knew this one would make the list. There will be times when the elevator is your only option, but make a conscious effort to take the stairs when possible – if it’s manageable. Please don’t try to walk up to the 42nd level! But when you do tackle those steps, take two at a time, jog up, or do something to else to increase your exertion, burn more calories and get those steps in.
Make Walking a Commitment
If you don’t walk much, adding 7500 steps a day to your routine is a big lifestyle change. But it’s something you can and should do to benefit your health. Stay consistent with your routine. Take walking breaks at the same time each day. Add 100 or 200 steps to your walks. Small changes can yield big results.
Use a Pedometer
Using a pedometer adds a sense of accountability. Some of the more advanced models will beep or buzz if you’ve been sedentary too long, reminding you to get up and get moving. But you don’t need to fork out hundreds of dollars for a simple step-counting device—adding any kind of pedometer will help you reach your goals.
Walk with Family
Or walk with the dog. Either way, getting active with people you love makes walking something to look forward to. Plus, it allows you to spend some quality time with family after being stuck indoors all day.
There are dozens of other ways to up your step count, but all that matters is getting up and walking around. Do it. Do it every day and you’ll begin to see a difference in your life and your health.
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