Step Up and Get Active23rd September 2022

Step counts

Getting your steps in every single day can be a tough task! Have a read of our latest blog to find out just how many you should be doing and how to get a few more in during the day.

If you’re not sure what a step count is, it is simply the number of steps you do in one day. It sounds straightforward and for many it is, but for those with limited mobility or sedentary jobs, it can be tricky to get into triple digits.

So, how many steps should you be doing a day?

According to some health professionals, it is 10,000 steps a day. Some people will breeze through it if they’re on their feet all the while, but more and more people are finding it more difficult to squeeze those steps in every single day.

As for tracking your steps, most smartphones have a feature to do so if you have it with you all the time. Other options include a smart watch, such as a FitBit or an AppleWatch - or you could find a good old fashioned pedometer (does anyone remember those?)

Getting in your steps can feel like a tough task, so here are some quick wins that will have you clocking up a few more than usual.

Grab a morning walk

It is easy to just go about your day and start it as you always do - especially if you’re someone that works from home! See if you can add a quick, short walk into your morning routine and bank a few extra steps along the way.

Park a little further away

If you’re heading to the shops, park a little further from the entrance of the car park to get a few extra steps along the way. This might just be our favourite tip, and it kind of feels like a hack, but it feels so satisfying and like you’ve just won a medal, goodness knows why!

Ditch the car where you can

Obviously, if you can leave the car where you parked it and opt for your feet as transport, that is always preferable. While we know it isn’t always possible, see if you can do more of this and less sitting behind the wheel.

Standing desks 

If you’re someone who sits at a desk all day, you could look at adding a standing desk to your set up. You can move around while you’re working and, if you want to go all out, you can get under-desk treadmills so you can walk and work. 

Regular work breaks

Speaking of work, make sure you’re taking regular breaks. Even walking to get a brew or go to the loo will make a difference, and uncurling from your desk is never a bad thing. Schedule them in or set reminders to get up, take a walk, and take a break. 

Build in more movement

Can you move a little more? While it may not be walking, any movement is a good addition. Swimming is low impact while stretching or yoga may be more enjoyable to you. Find what movement works and build more of that into your day and your life. See if you can make a habit out of it!

Staying mobile is key and movement is a good addition to any routine. Try to keep your step count up and keep those back, joints, and everything in between moving and grooving. 

If you aren’t feeling very mobile and you need a helping hand, get in touch with the centre and speak to a member of the team about what we can do for you!

Our practitioner Zac shares his top tips for getting your steps in below:

• Don't always go for the closest parking spot, by parking further away from the shop entrance you can double the steps you'd normally do on a shopping trip
• Going out for a walk after a long day sitting at a desk at work, counteract some of the sedentary work habits by planning a short walk after work. This will get the heart beat raised to get oxygen and nutrients around the body but also great for mental health, being out in nature and getting fresh air
• When planning exercise, find a time of day that works for you! If it is inconvenient, there will always be something that gets in the way
• Get your family and loved ones involved - having the family support will keep you motivated, or even a friendly competition - who can do the most steps in a week?

  

Zac says: "When setting challenges or goals be realistic - set goals that are achievable to reach your higher goals to keep motivation and consistency high!"