Exercise doesn’t have to be limited to the elliptical at the gym. Walking is an easy and effortless way to stay active! Here are some tips to increase steps without changing your daily schedule.
1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Elevators can be really awkward when you ride with the wrong people, are claustrophobic, and just take forever. Save time and climb up those two flights of stairs to get an extra 100 steps and tone your glutes, hamstrings, and calves!
2. Do small chores around the apartment.
Walking the trash to the chute all the way down the hall, cleaning up your room and the kitchen, and dragging dirty laundry to the washing machines all require extra effort and steps without compromising daily routines. Volunteering to do these things around the dorm/house/apartment increase steps and your roommates will love you!
3. Volunteer to walk your friend’s dog.
This one’s obvious. There’s nothing better than hanging out with a dog (and still getting in steps)! If your friends don’t have dogs, volunteer at a shelter – some even have programs where you can take care of a dog for a day!
4. Do laps around the library/room while you study
According to scientists, walking can help memory formation up to 25%! For kinesthetic learners who learn more by doing physical activity, this makes reaching step goals easier. For people who are visual or auditory learners, taking a break to walk around helps improve cognitive function and paying attention. So whichever type of learner you are, it’s a win-win!
5. Throw a dance party.
Just like Meredith and Christina in Grey’s Anatomy, put on your favorite songs and dance your day out! Its an easy way to have fun by yourself or with friends, and an even easier way to squeeze in an extra 15 minutes of cardio.
All it takes are some little changes to reach your steps goal…get walking!