One of the most significant things we can do for our health is also one of the most basic things — walking. This is an inexpensive form of exercise since all you need is a good pair of walking shoes. A supportive pair of compression socks can also make walking much more enjoyable.
Walking is not only a low-impact exercise that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels but also convenient and accessible to all. You can effortlessly incorporate walking into your daily life as a form of active commuting.
How Many Steps Should You Take a Day?
Many health experts recommend we take 10,000 steps a day. Although this may seem daunting, studies have shown that walking 10,000 steps daily can improve heart health and mental health and lower the risk of various diseases, including diabetes.
Exercise doesn’t have to be vigorous or done for hours on end to be beneficial. Research shows that even a low level of exercise – around 75 minutes a week – improved fitness levels significantly compared to those who are inactive.
While formal exercise, such as going to the gym, will help you reach 10,000 steps, with a bit of planning, you won’t need to set aside time for the gym or long walks to reach 10,000 steps. The trick is to find ways to accumulate incidental steps so that it does not feel like hard work.
Clever Ways to Get Your Steps in Each Day
1. Take the Stairs
Adding some steps to your day is easiest by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. If you work or attend class on another building floor, take the stairs to get there.
When you are at home, make as many trips up and down your stairs as possible. Break up the laundry into 2 or 3 trips rather than carrying it all up in one load. Just a few trips up and down one flight of stairs can start to add up.
2. Walk, Talk, and Multitask
If you frequently talk on the phone, listen to music, or read books during the day, begin to multitask and do these things while walking. Walking during a time you usually reserve for relaxing, talking to friends, or reading a book can add up. Now that most books are available in audiobook format, you can easily listen to them while walking. Throw on a pair of compression socks for extra support. Wearing compression socks during a brisk walk can provide muscle support to the calves. Our calves are often overworked, and that support helps to prevent muscle fatigue.
3. Park Farther Away
Are you always hunting for the nearest parking spot in the parking lot? Change it up and park in the back further away. You can park on the opposite side of the parking lot to make the walk to work or the grocery store a little longer. Every little bit helps if you do this throughout the day. (Diazepam)
4. Set a Reminder
You can set reminders on your phone every hour or so to remind yourself to get up and walk around. Make it a point to move around at home or the office. Walk downstairs to get the laundry, to make yourself a snack, or just around your office a few times. Sitting or standing for long hours can cause leg swelling by the end of the day. Compression socks can be a great remedy as they can help enhance blood circulation in the legs.
5. Play With Your Kids Or Dog
You can easily squeeze in your steps with the help of your children or dog! Play outside with your children or dog when you get home from work. Go for a walk, run around your backyard, or visit a playground or dog park. Enjoy some special time with your family while increasing your step count.
6. Do Some Household Chores
You can fit in more steps while being productive by doing chores like vacuuming, dusting, cutting the grass, or washing your car. If you have a particularly sedentary day, try checking off one of your chores and boosting your steps. Any activity that involves you moving around the house or yard will make a big difference.
7. Walk With A Friend
Walking with a friend keeps you accountable and provides a great social connection. Meeting with a neighbor, a coworker, or your partner at a set time and place a couple of times a week can help you boost your steps in no time, along with catching up on the latest gossip.
8. Invest In Comfortable Shoes and Socks
You’re more likely to walk on your lunch break if you pack a pair of comfy sneakers and compression socks. Wearing compression socks is essential to prevent tired legs, arthritis, sore feet, and blisters while walking. With the right compression socks, you will be able to walk more comfortably for longer periods of time.
Conclusion
With a little creativity, you can easily incorporate more walking into your daily routine. Discover activities or daily changes you enjoy and appreciate the things your body is capable of. Often, the smallest changes make the most significant difference – because when combined, you could see your step count soar. Remember, movement is something we’re lucky enough to be able to do, and the more you do it, the longer you’ll be able to sustain that ability.
