how to get 10,000 steps a day

If you’re looking for more ways to get your daily 10,000 steps, try these strategies to build more walking into your daily life:

how to get more steps at work

Park at the edge of the parking lot rather than taking the closest spot.
Get off public transit one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Use the restroom, water fountain, break room, etc. that is farthest from your workspace.
Take small breaks from work throughout the day to get up and walk around your office, building or block
If possible, turn some of your work meetings into “walk & talks.”
Form a workplace walking group and meet to walk together during lunch or a break.
Walking to a meeting? Leave a few minutes early and take the long way.

how to get more steps at home

Have a phone call scheduled with a far-away friend? Take a walk while you talk.
Invite a friend or family member to take a walk with you as a way to spend quality time together.
Take a leisurely after-dinner walk around your neighborhood (this helps aid digestion too!).
Visit a local park and explore the trails.
Take your dog for a walk (or a longer walk than usual!).
Walk around a neighborhood that you’d love to live in.
Take extra trips when unloading groceries from the car or carrying laundry to the bedroom, rather than loading up as much as you can at once.

how to get more steps out & about

When possible, walk to stores, restaurants or friends’ homes instead of driving.
Park at the edge of the parking lot rather than taking the closest spot.
Avoid drive-thrus; get out and go into the bank or restaurant.
Return the shopping cart all the way to the store when done shopping.
Take public transit instead of driving.
Get off public transit one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
When waiting at the airport, walk around the terminal instead of waiting at your gate.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

how to track your steps

The easiest way to measure the amount of walking you get each day is with a fitness tracker like a Fitbit, apple watch, Garmin or google watch

Most smartphones also have accurate pedometer technology, though you’ll just have to keep your phone with you whenever you move. 😁