Why Care about Walking 10,000 Steps a Day?

Ten thousand steps daily equals just over 8 kilometres for most people. Research shows this amount of activity helps to reduce your risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, as well as lower your BMI (Body Mass Index) and increases your energy so that you can get the most out of your life!

Before getting my FitBit, I probably walked closer to 6 kilometres, this method of tracking just gets me thinking about moving a little more each hour, which really adds up throughout the course of a week.

In the summer, it’s easy – I love walking my dog numerous times around the block when the sun is out and the birds are chirping, but right now in the dead of winter with snow on the ground, it’s difficult! Despite that, my goal is still to reach at least 10,000 steps daily and here’s how I’ve been doing:

Tracking your steps helps you walk more and ensure that you get your 10,000 steps in!

Here are a few of the tricks I use to get my 10,000+ steps in daily during these cold, dark winter days:

1. Head to the mall.

I’ll head to the closest mall and do 2-3 laps before allowing myself to swing into my favourite store. If you can fight your way through the isles, walking around the inside of a Costco also works. Walking each isle and the whole inside perimeter will easily get you a few thousand steps.

2. Pace like you’re worried.

My house is small, so I can only get in 120 steps walking from one end of it and back. I’m sure you can get a lot more steps in through pacing. Automatically start pacing while on the phone, or when a commercial comes on if you’re watching TV.

3. Dress for the occasion.

We’re Canadians, we should all own a decent winter jacket, boots, gloves and a toque. Just put these clothes on and head outside. After 5 minutes of brisk walking, you’ll forget it’s minus 40 degrees out with the windchill! This year, we took it to a whole new level by making sure our little Boston Terrier is now equipped with appropriate winter gear so he can walk with us!

We even dress our dog for the winter weather so he can get his 10,000 steps in!

4. Walk to Starbucks.

When I finally get there, I enjoy a warm coffee of course!

It’s important to stay active even during these long and dark winter days. Let’s all be healthy Canadians and keep our activity levels up by walking our 10,000 steps a day! Please share any other winter walking tips you use, here; I’d love to hear from you.