Have you ever wondered how to get 10,000 steps indoors?
Most everybody knows that a crucial part of being healthy is being active.
I’m sure you have heard that it takes at least 10,000 steps each day to reach your fitness goals.
However, there are many things that can make this goal challenging to hit.
Why Is This So Important?
Even if you exercise, going long periods of time with inactivity will have adverse effects on your body.
Sitting at a desk all day or on the couch binge-watching Netflick decreases the blood flow to your muscles and will actually negate a lot of the positive effects of your workout.
Being active throughout your day is the key to optimal health.
Ideally, get a fitness tracker to see how many steps you get in your normal activities. Then try adding an extra 1000 steps per week if your activity level is low until you reach your goal.
So here are 10 ways on how to get 10,000 steps indoors if you work from home, or the weather is bad, or you spend all day in the office.
How To Get 10,000 Steps Indoors
- Make a circuit around your house, the bigger the better. A brisk pace will get you about 100 steps per minute.
- Vacuum your house. It probably needs to be done anyway. And if you have kids or pets, this could definitely be done daily.
- Check out some walking workouts on YouTube. It can add a little more variety when you're trying to get those steps in.
- Don't be time-efficient with your chores. Take one piece of laundry out at a time, fold it, and put away. Do the same with the dishes in the dishwasher.
- Don't fast forward through the commercials. Jog or walk in place, do jumping jacks, or alternate high-knees/ butt kickers while pumping your arms.
- Go hands- free. If you get a phone call, slip in those headphones and pace around.
- Go to the mall and window shop. A leisure pace will get you about 60 steps per minute and you don't even have to break out your wallet.
- Do a repeat at the grocery store. When you're done go up and down the aisles one more time. You'll probably find something you forgot and get and extra 500 steps if the store is big.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator if you have them at work. Each flight equals 38 steps so this can really add up depending on how high your building is.
- Instead of sending your coworker an email, deliver the message in person. If you get a 100 steps per minute in if you pick up the pace doing so.
- Go to the water cooler every time you need a drink instead of filling up your water bottle and having it at your desk.
- If you work for a really cool company, see if they will provide a treadmill desk. It takes a little more concentration but it a great way to get your work while getting your steps in.
Just because you're indoors doesn't mean you have to be inactive.
By using a little imagination and determination, you can definitely reach your goal of 10,000 steps per day.
Remember, no matter how intense your workout is, you can't be sedentary for the rest of your day and be healthy.
Moving throughout the day will help with your brain function, protect your heart, improve your mood, and even help you sleep better.
So make sure you get those 10,000 steps in every day so you can live a long and healthy life.
