How to Increase your Step Count at Home
With being in and out of lock down, most of us have returned to working from home or for some continue to work from home. While there are some benefits to working from home like no commuting to work, it can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Here are some tips to help increase your step count to promote a more active life.
Track your steps
This is one of the best ways to motivate yourself to walk more is to record your progress, Apple Watches and FitBit’s and other fitness watches and trackers are popular choices but not necessary to track steps, most mobile smart phones have pedometer apps that can be downloaded. Some of these pedometers offer connect ability with other people’s pedometers so you can compare with friends, family or co-workers which can give you a bit of communal encouragement or for those who enjoy it, a competitive element.
Get Up to Walk About Frequently
Aside from being great for you overall, taking frequent breaks is a good way to increase that step count. An idea to encourage getting up more (and can help increase your water intake) is to drink from a single cup of water, once the cup is empty, it then becomes your excuse to leave your computer/desk and walk to the kitchen. If you have specific water goals, get a water bottle filled with the specific amount of water but still leave it in the kitchen while taking a cup to your desk and refilling with from the water bottle that’s still in the kitchen. Alternatively, you could set standing reminders on your phone to ensure you get up from your desk.
Take Walking Breaks
Just finished a task? Just had lunch? Fight the urge to slump in front of the tv or stay on your seat scrolling Facebook and take yourself for a post-lunch/task walk instead. Habit is key so try your best to work it in to your schedule as best as you can in whatever way suits you. You don’t even have to walk anywhere specifically if you don’t want, just leave your desk for 1-5 minutes and do a lap of the house or even some star jumps to get the body moving.
Consider a Standing Desk
There are many benefits to using a standing desk, including lowering your weight gain and heart disease, this does depend on your current work setup, you might want to consider one if you find your day-to-day life sedentary.
Walk a Dog
If you ever needed an excuse to get a dog… then this is it! Dogs are wonderful in many ways and encouraging physical activity is something they do best. Obviously not everyone has a dog, if you don’t have one and are wanting to try this tip, try asking a friend, family member or even neighbour if you can walk theirs.
Walk Short Distances
Rules are key here. Decide on a short distance that you feel is acceptable to walk and stick with it! If where you’re going to a location that is less than the decided distance, walk to that destination.
Stand and/or Walk While Talking
If you are frequently on long phone calls, this is a great chance to walk around and get some extra steps in. This could even be a chance to encourage work colleges or whoever you’re on the phone to too also start walking while talking together.
Run
Is bed time closing in and you haven’t gotten your steps up? Go for a light jog or run to increase your steps, additionally when watching T.V, run on the spot for the duration of the commercials, this can also be done with most day-to-day tasks like cooking.
Final Advice
If you’re planning on taking a walk at some point, make it the morning. Things will always crop up with work later in the day, and your steps will be the first thing neglected. Get those steps in early and you’ll be well on your way to live a more active lifestyle.
By Mitch Chapman
