Walking is a part of daily life. You do it from your car to your desk, to the bathroom, up and down the stairs, and everywhere in between. But, how many steps are you taking daily? Knowing this can help you to implement a small change that can help you become healthier. Some studies suggest walking 10,000 steps daily—most Americans average about 2,000 to 3,000—but really, every extra step counts and can make a difference. To start taking an extra few steps each day:
- Wear a pedometer each day for a week, while going about your normal routine, to figure out the number of steps you are taking daily. Log the amount you take each night. At the end of the week, take the amount of steps from the day that was the highest, and try to make this your goal.
- For the next week, try to walk your goal amount of steps daily. Continue to log this each night to track your progress.
- At the end of the week, figure out how many extra steps you would like to take each day the upcoming week. Simply increase this number by a couple hundred (i.e. 250), nothing too unrealistic.
After a few weeks, you should find that walking becomes easier and that you are feeling healthier and fit during activities that you may previously have been tired doing. The goal is to incorporate walking into your daily life and to change your current lifestyle!*Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. If you feel any pain or discomfort during, contact your doctor.