Setting up time for a 45-minute walk is not always easy. We all lead busy lives, and getting in a workout between family and work isn’t always possible. What if I told you that you didn’t need to set out a specific time for your walking workouts? What if you could achieve the same health benefits by incorporating extra activity into your day? What if there was a fun little gadget that kept track of everything for you and inspired you to move more?
There is, and it is known as a pedometer. You can find a low-cost model at your local supermarket or order one online. You might even go with something fancier, such as a Fitbit. But, before you go out and spend any money, check your phone. Many models include a pedometer. You only need to download a free app to get started.
The pedometer will keep track of how many steps you take each day. It will also keep track of how many minutes you were active and how far you walked. In other words, it tracks how much activity you get during the day. And the good news is that it doesn’t matter if you go for a 45-minute walk after work or if you work out in short bursts here and there. Perhaps you begin your day by parking further away from the office and walking a few hundred more steps. Then, during your lunch break, you go for a little walk. You finish your day by wandering around the park with your children. And just like that, you’ve completed your workout without needing to set aside any more time.
Put on a pedometer or start tracking with that phone you’re usually carrying about and see how far you walk in a day. From then, gradually increase your activity level until you reach your stepping target. For the majority of us, 10,000 steps a day is a reasonable long-term objective.
It’s motivating to keep track of your steps. Looking at your pedometer and seeing that you’re 2,000 steps short of your daily goal may be all the encouragement you need to go for an after-dinner walk.
Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before beginning a new workout program.