5 foolproof hacks to get more steps and activity

Looking to see your step count soar and your activity levels skyrocket? With the right mindset and a few simple lifestyle switches, you’re sure to get more steps and activity while building your endurance, strength and overall well-being!

Foolproof ways to get more steps and activity

1. Record and reward every effort you make

We all love seeing our step and move minute totals tally! As you work towards boosting your physical activity levels, it’s important that all your movement, not just walking or running, is accounted for.

2. Harness the power of getting active with others

There’s strength in numbers when we want to get more steps and activity in our days. Getting active with others satisfies our social sides and increases the likelihood that our step and move minute counts will climb. With that in mind, try out these tips:

• Make a pact with family and friends to get moving together – commit to a midday or nightly stroll.
• Send texts to keep one another on track.
• Get active with the little ones in your life – help with a learn-to-bike lesson or game of catch at the park.
• You don’t have to stop with people; pets can motivate you, too. So, give in to your dog’s plea for that extra lap around the block.

3. In a rut? Change your routine up!

It’s common to feel our motivation plummet when our routine is on repeat for too long. If your daily walk or wheel is more of a mindless meander, try adding short intervals of intensity, seeking out a new route for your adventure, or heading to a local nature trail you’ve been meaning to try or a neighbourhood with a range of inclines. You’ll get more steps, build your strength and endurance, and discover new places – all while enjoying the mood-boosting pick-me-up that comes from elevating your heart rate.

4. Turn inconveniences into convenient movement opportunities

It’s all about attitude when we want to boost our step count. Instead of getting frustrated that there are no parking spots near the store door, see it as an opportunity to get a couple hundred extra steps when you leave your car parked farther away from the entrance. Rather than standing still on the elevator, seize the chance to get active by climbing the stairs or using the ramp. Not in the mood to vacuum the floors or trim the hedges? Find that get-up-and-go by reminding yourself that, as you’re ticking off tasks on your to-do list, you’re adding on valuable steps and movement!

5. Remind yourself that getting active is important for your mental well-being

Modern life can be riddled with stressors. Whether it’s an IT issue at the office or a relationship conundrum, when you feel your patience waning, respond with activity! Many of us find clarity, calm and an improved mood when we move our bodies and change the scenery. Add this active approach to your stress management strategy to benefit your body, mind and step count!