Reaching Your 10,000 Steps Every Day: 5 Tips For Desk Jobs

People are always banging on about achieving a minimum of 10,000 steps every day. It can be frustrating to have that figure hanging over your head, especially if you have a sedentary desk job like me or do a lot of travelling. However, there are things you can do to change that; the elusive 10,000 steps are within reach. Here are some top tips to help you.

Lady walking up stairs make time for workouts by just using the stairs

Take the stairs

If you work on the fourth floor of a building, it will always be tempting to reach for the button to call the lift. However, this will not help if you are struggling to reach your daily steps every day to his that goal.

Of course, if your fitness levels are a little below par (and there is no shame in admitting this), why not try getting the lift to the second floor and walking the final two? Alternatively, you could get the lift up but walk down. You will still be getting in extra steps, but you will not put your body under as much strain.

Don’t make short car journeys

It can be so tempting to jump in the car when you need a pint of milk or you’re just dropping something off at a friend’s house, but just think about the wasted opportunity to get in some steps, as well as the negative impact your car fumes will have on the environment.

Before you grab your car keys, think about whether the journey could be done on foot instead. If not, why not? Challenge yourself at every moment.

Alternatively, if you do need to drive why not park a little further away instead of the nearest car park spot?

Get a dog

Dogs need daily walks. It doesn’t matter if the rain is pouring down, they still have to go out and get their exercise, so you could use this as a way of getting your steps every day, too.

Of course, there are many other wonderful reasons for getting a man’s best friend but increasing your activity levels is undoubtedly up there on my list. Ben really wants a dog but I know it would be me looking after it so he can wait until he has his own house!

Do the kitchen dance

I would hate to think that anyone was looking in on me while I do the kitchen dance, but I must say, it truly is an effective way of increasing steps every day. If I’m making myself a cup of tea, I will flick on the kettle and while it’s boiling, I’ll choose a song via Alexa and dance like crazy.

Nine times out of ten, it’s something by Pendulum or the Prodigy as the beat means lots of steps. It’s often not the heat of the tea making me sweat while I’m drinking it, but the enthusiasm I had for my kitchen dancing!

Change your desk

As I mentioned earlier, a sedentary office job might not seem very conducive to an active lifestyle. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Investing in a standing desk, which can rise and fall, will mean that you can type or make a phone call whilst walking on the spot. It could revolutionise the way you work and increase your fitness levels.

These are just a few ways of helping you to reach your 10,000 steps a day. What do you do to meet your target?

Why do Drs suggest 10,000 steps a day?

Have you ever wondered why doctors recommend walking 10,000 steps a day? It seems like a pretty arbitrary number, and it can be tough to fit that much walking into an already busy day. But there are some solid reasons why this is the magic number – and it’s not just to sell more fitness trackers.

It Helps You Stay Active

Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. By walking 10,000 steps a day, you’re keeping your body moving and your heart pumping. It’s a great way to exercise without having to hit the gym (unless you want to, of course).

It’s Manageable for Most People

Ten thousand steps might seem like a lot, but it’s not as daunting as it sounds. Depending on your stride length, it’s roughly equivalent to walking five miles. You don’t need a lot of equipment or special skills to start walking more – just a good pair of shoes and a willingness to move.

If you’re worried about finding the time to walk that much, remember that you can break it up throughout the day. Take a short walk during your lunch break, walk to the store instead of driving, or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

It Encourages You to Make Healthier Choices

When you start paying attention to your step count, you’re more likely to make healthier decisions throughout your day. You might walk to a farther parking spot, take a stroll after dinner instead of watching TV, or meet a friend for a walking coffee break instead of sitting down for drinks. These small choices can add up to big benefits for your overall health.

It Can Have Mental Health Benefits, Too

Physical activity isn’t just good for your body – it’s good for your mind, too. Walking can be a great stress reliever and mood booster. When you walk outside, you get some fresh air and vitamin D, both beneficial for mental health. If you get into a rhythm with your walking, you might find that it’s a meditative experience that helps you clear your mind and improve your focus.

It’s Just One Way to Get Active

Of course, walking 10,000 steps a day isn’t the only way to be physically active. There are plenty of other ways to get your heart rate up, including cycling, swimming, dancing, or playing sports. The key is to find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine. Walking is just a convenient and accessible option for many people.

Ten thousand steps a day might seem like a lofty goal, but it’s worth striving for to stay healthy and active. Remember that you don’t have to hit that number daily to see results – any amount of walking is better than none. And if you’re struggling to fit more walking into your routine, try to get creative with your schedule and find ways to make it a fun and enjoyable experience. By taking small steps (literally), you can see big improvements in your overall health and well-being.

Top tips for achieving 10,000 steps a day