How do you get those extra steps in?

[zapleahy]

I live about four miles from my workplace and although I haven't yet walked all four miles to or from work, there are a few games I play during the week to increase my stepcount.

Some days I'll take the hillier, windier, unnecessarily long route to BART (San Francisco's heavy-rail rapid transit system). Almost always, I forgo the escalator for the stairs. Today, that act alone added 5 flights of stairs and over 250 steps to my morning journey.

My other favorite "cheat" is high stepping in place. Sure, I may look a little odd bouncing up and down while typing at my makeshift standing desk, but it feels good to keep the blood flowing and the legs moving! 

What do you do to get your extra steps in?

[pbackma]

If you have steps in your home--you can run up and down with your dog--the dog would love that..LOL

[MBanks_N49]

Right now it's the Challenges. I don't like to lose so when I'm doing my runs I'll double check how far everyone is ahead of me and then push until I have the steps.

[loveabull]

For those of us in the snow right now the three best investments to make, even more so if you have dogs...

A good quality ski parka that covers neck, head, butt-you don't need to be fashion forward here. I have a men's parka from Target a few sizes too big and warm as toast.

Warm heavyweight gloves-flexible enough to hold leash and/or touchscreen compatible if you wish.

Those hand and toe warmer thingies are delightful on a chilly day!

Okay kids now you have no excuses...snow sleet or hail...even half an hour a day is terrific. I was reading about a guy stationed in Antarctica and he still got out to exercise every day and was better for it.

[sunshine51]

I have a challenge at work and it is a strong motivator. I am now averaging
22,000 steps a day and loving it.
Since I upgraded to the FB Charge it has helped me to stay on track and to
beat MYSELF every day.

[pbackma]

i was doing 20,000--now I have to increase to catch up with you...LOL..That is great

[MBanks_N49]

I live on the 5th floor of my building and park on the 4th below level parking garage, so I take the stairs all the time. 9 flights of stairs several times a day can really add to your steps (and give a nice burn when bringing in the groceries).

Also, if I'm on a NetFlix binge I get up and walk around for about 5 min between episodes so I'l not continually stationary.  This also applies to commercials when watching TV.  Commercial comes on, get up and walk around the living room until the show resumes.  Every little bit goes a long way.

[SunsetRunner]

tried jumping jacks, just becareful if you are upstairs and the room downstairs has swinging lights etc....

[Kennicott]

To get those extra steps in, I took inventory of the things I do, and wherever possible and still timely enough at work, I would take the longest route possible.  I work on the 2nd floor at my office building.  When I use the restroom, I now use the one on the 1st floor and opposite end of the building. This also brings in a flight of stairs per trip. 

I smoked for 30 years and quit January 1st of this year. I would always go on a 10 minute smoke break every 1 hr 15 minutes or so. I now take 7 minute brisk walking breaks every 90 minutes.  I'm blessed to have a 1 hour lunch break. I now take the first 45 minutes to go on a brisk walk of 3.5 miles and then eat my lunch upon my return.

Like most of corporate America, we are obsessed with holding meetings. I now incorporate a quick lap around the office floor on my way to the conference room.

At home waiting for the Cable Repair team or the Parcel Truck to deliver a package you have to sign for? Pace while you wait. Time allowed, go through every aisle of the grocery store, whether or not you need an item from that aisle.

In short, take the long way home, and enjoy your healthy choice.

BK

[SunsetRunner]

walk to the supermarket and back, walk down every aisle at least once, buy only what you need for that day, so that you have to go back again the next day

[pbackma]

I lost my Fitbit on the walking trail.....Sad....I have to get me another one....

[HelenaFitbit]

Hey there @pbackma ! I recommend to get in touch with our Customer Service team at http://contact.fitbit.com or by calling (877) 623-4997 between the hours of 4am-8pm PST Mon-Fri and 6am-5pm PST on weekends.

[pbackma]

Thank you so much--I am so excited about getting another Fitbit.  The Fitbit really keeps me moving!

[SunsetRunner]

know what you mean, my replacement fitbit one is at home, so have been using my iphone, just not the same for some reason

[pbackma]

I hope I get it today or tomorrow--I want to see what I am doing with my steps.  If I lose this one I am going to upgrade to a wrist Fitbit--this one may be better than the clip on....

[EndOfLevelBoss]

To top up my steps I drink more water at work. This means brief walks back and forth topping up the water, plus lots of toilet visits and I make a habit of walking to the toilet further away on my office floor. It all adds up! I try to walk for 40 minutes or so at lunchtime too.

[MCarr]

You can also do dance videos on utube.

[ponydoc]

I pace when I brush my teeth,  do high knees in the kitchen while the kettle is on, and jog in place during commericals.  At work I make a consious effort to walk around for 5mins every hour or so.  I usually hit my goal.

[Paradise555]

When I am stuck on something like working on a project I usually get up and walk around with a note pad and write down some ideas. By the end of 5 or 10 minutes I am amazed by the amount of steps I have gotten.

[thor0298]

I get water at the far water fountain or downstairs at the cafeteria at work.  Every hour or so get up and take a short walk. 

[pbackma]

That is a good idea...I will try going to another floor for water....