I recently got a FitBit as a work bonus, needless to say I was super excited. I had been eyeing the FitBit for some time but couldn’t justify spending $100 since I really don’t exercise all that often.
After about a week of wearing my FitBit, I realized I wasn’t getting in the suggested 10,000 steps per day. In fact I was even getting in 5,000 steps per day. Like many other women, I work at a desk for 8 hours or more per day. Being seated for this many hours each day makes getting in 10,000 steps hard and at first it seemed impossible.
I had to get a little creative to get my 10,000 steps in per day. I don’t attend a gym, I don’t run and I don’t have a normal work out routine. However, I am now getting in my 10,000 steps per day and I’m going to share what has worked for me.
Fun Ways to Get 10,000 Steps Per Day
Start Tracking Your Steps – If you are determined to get your 10,000 steps in per day, you will need a way to track your steps. While I love my FitBit, I’m not going to tell you to run out and spend $100. If you have a smart phone, look in the app store for a pedometer. There are several free fitness apps available! While they aren’t always exactly accurate they will give you an ideal of how many steps you are getting in and you can try to increase your steps based on that number. You can also pick up an pedometer from WalMart, Target or Amazon.
Get Up Once An Hour – Make it a point to get up every hour and walk around your office or home. Every hour I get up from my desk and walk around my home while counting my steps. I aim to do 150 to 200 steps per hour while I’m working. Not only does this help me get my steps in but it also gives me a chance to rest my eyes. Looking at a computer screen all day can really put a strain on your eyes.
Walk Around While Talking on the Phone – My job requires me to talk on the phone several times a day. During my meetings I like to walk around while listening to the call. I can easily get in 500 or more steps!
Park Far Away From a Store Entrance – I used to drive around the parking lot for five or ten minutes looking for a close parking spot. I now seek out those unattractive parking spots far away from the store entrance. Doing something this simple can really help you increase your daily steps. You can do this when you take kids to school, parking at work, stores or anywhere else you go on a daily basis.
Play Outside With the Kids – I will be the first to admit I haven’t always been the best about playing outdoors with the kids. I like doing activities indoors. Lately, I’ve made it a point to get outside with the kids every single day. We throw the football, play tag, hide and go seek, we’ve had a water balloon fight, jump roped and much more. I’m having a blast with my kids and we are all staying active.
Do a Ten Minute Exercise Routine – YouTube is a great resource for finding quick and simple exercise videos. Search YouTube for workout routines and you find a ton! At this stage in my life I don’t have time for an hour long video, but I can always make time for 10 or 20 minutes.
Dance While You Clean – Whether we like it or not cleaning is a fact of life. Instead of standing in one spot at the sink washing dishes, turn on some music. Crank up Pandora and dance around the kitchen, living room, bathroom or any other part of the house you are cleaning. You might be surprised at how many steps you can get it.
Are you working towards getting 10,000 steps in per day? If so what tips do you have?
Angela Sullivan says
Every time I get up from my desk to use the ladies room, after I finish I take a lap around the floor of my office building before returning to my office. So anyone can take the long way around coming back from the restroom, back from the breakroom, back from the coffee cart, etc. This helps!
Amee @ MadameDeals says
I use Fitbit and I love it 🙂
Marcy says
I have just ordered a Fitbit, so these tips came at a good time for me. I used to have a really good 10,000 steps a day habit, but I have been a couch potato lately. I am ready to get active again. I play tennis in the summer, and I find that I can get in a lot of steps easily on those days, but the days at the computer are challenging.