What does the number 10,000 signify to you? If you said “I’m nowhere near my step count”, read on.
Actually, 10,000 steps is really an arbitrary number and depends on many factors. That being said, wellness experts (such as the Mayo Clinic) recommend that healthy and able-bodied people rack up around 10,000 steps per day, which adds up to a little less than five miles.
With just a few simple tweaks throughout the day, you can add valuable steps to your daily count, helping you hit 10,000 (and beyond) before you know it.
At Work
1. Walk to a co-worker’s desk for a face-to-face chat instead of e-mailing or calling them.
2. Take walking meetings when possible.
3. Meet a friend for lunch somewhere in between your respective offices. Walk there, of course.
4. Stand up and pace while on a conference call.
5. Pass up the closest bathroom, for the furthest.
6. On a nice day, walk to the office or….
7. If you’re taking public transport, get off one or two stops earlier and walk the rest of the way.
8. Going out on a coffee run? Go for a slightly further walk and check out a new coffee shop.
At Home
9. Play with your kids — something active like tag, hopscotch or throwing around the frisbee.
10. Walk your children to and/or from school.
11. Clean the house — vacuum, mop, dust, etc.
12. Walk your dog.
13. Unload the dishwasher.
14. Do laundry, fold it and put it away.
15. Do yard work — mow the lawn, rake leaves, garden.
16. Wash the car.
On the Go
17. Window shop and people watch at the mall. (Or go ahead and snap up those kicks you’ve been eyeing.)
18. Take the long way. Everywhere.
19. Go dancing. Whether you’re out with friends or standing at the kitchen bench washing the dishes you can always have a boogie
20. Use role-playing apps, such as Pokemon Go, Run! or Ingress.
21. Walk around the field during your child’s games or practices.
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This post was written by Dr Caley Olesen.
You can find out more about Caley here or book an appointment with her here.
Alternatively, you can call the clinic on 03 9908 2844.